July 9th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Federal prosecutors have been granted more time to pursue plea negotiations with former West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lambert of the District of Columbia agreed to the request to delay a status hearing previously set for July 9. The hearing now will be August 10.

Evans, who resigned his seat in the state Legislature prior to actually serving, faces several charges from entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 while Congress was certifying Electoral College votes.

A federal grand jury late last month indicted Evans on a felony obstruction of an official proceeding.

Evans previously faced four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

The new charge alleges Evans broke federal law by engaging in activity that “obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding.” Such an offense must be committed with “corrupt intent.”