CONEJOS — Arraignment for Conejos County Commissioner John Sandoval, 52, originally scheduled for Oct. 19, has been postponed to mid-December.

Sandoval said this week the judge said there was too much information to cover and more time was needed.

He was indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury on three tax charges and one count of theft over $5,000. His attorney has filed a motion for dismissal in U.S. District Court, Denver.

Sandoval has been a member of the Conejos Board of County Commissioners for more than 18 years.

The charges relate to a period between June 7, 2012 and Oct. 15, 2016. Charges allege Sandoval evaded taxes; failed to pay taxes on hay sales and from a restaurant in Antonito he owned; filed a false tax return; and theft.

Sandoval points to political opposition as the reason for the investigation that led to the indictments. He said he has forgiven these persons and is moving on with his life. He said he offered to write a check for the disputed amount but the state refused.