Ken Lay's trial may take place sooner rather than later

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3121990

It looks like Ken Lay will likely get the trial he wanted, even if he doesn't want it so much anymore.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake Wednesday ordered the lawyers in his case to come to court next Friday "to address the trial schedule" for Lay's four personal banking charges. Lawyers and court personnel said that's a clear indication the judge is thinking of quickly moving to trial.

"Lay kept throwing down the glove and it certainly looks like he needs to pick it up now and get in the fight," said Houston lawyers Kent Schaffer.

Lay faces two sets of criminal charges that Judge Lake agreed to try separately. Lay's Enron-related fraud charges are scheduled to be tried in January 2006 along with many more filed against his ex-CEO Jeff Skilling and the ex-top accountant Rick Causey.

But Enron's ex-chairman also faces four personal banking cases alleging he lied to banks about how he intended to use $75 million in personal loans.

I thought they were never going to take him to trial. Five or six years after the "crimes" were discovered is considered "Sooner?" What gives?
I still expect a complete acquittal. After all, he is a big Republican contributer.