VENTURA : Laumann Trial Date Deferred Over Health

A judge refused Friday to schedule a trial for a man indicted in what was once billed as the biggest fraud case in Ventura County history because the defendant’s doctor said the ordeal could kill him.

Superior Court Judge Allan L. Steele said he understands the prosecution’s desire to bring Felix Laumann to trial but cannot justify forcing the issue at this time. Laumann, 57, suffers from a severe liver ailment and is awaiting an organ transplant.

“I think this is an extraordinary situation,” Steele said. “I just cannot set it for trial . . . in a situation where (Laumann) may likely collapse, may likely die.”

Laumann of the Central California community of Cambria was indicted in February, 1991, along with Olen B. Phillips, 53, of Westlake and Charles Francoeur, 36, of Agoura.

The 81-count indictment accused Phillips of masterminding a scheme in which about $3 million was stolen from 21 investors.

In a trial last year, Phillips was convicted of only one count of grand theft and sentenced to 60 days in jail. Francoeur was convicted of four grand theft charges and one conspiracy count and was sentenced to 7 years, 8 months in prison.

On Friday, Steele read aloud a letter from Laumann’s doctor that said the defendant, besides being in the end stages of liver failure, suffers from a condition that reduces his attention span and ability to concentrate. Because of that, Laumann cannot help his attorney plan a defense, Steele ruled.

The judge granted a request by Deputy Dist. Atty. Rebecca Riley that Laumann’s condition be evaluated by another doctor. He also agreed to ask UCLA officials how soon Laumann is likely to get a liver transplant.