A judge has set a trial date for former University of Kentucky board chairman Billy Joe Miles, who is charged with rape and sodomy.
The Messenger-Inquirer reports Judge Kelly Mark Easton set a Jan. 16 date despite protests from Miles' attorneys, who asked for a December trial.
Defense attorney Rob Eggert said at a Monday hearing in Daviess Circuit Court that the charges are damaging Miles' health and the 77-year-old wants to clear his name as soon as possible.
Kentucky State Police said an investigation involving a witness in the case is pending, but should conclude within three weeks.
Miles was indicted last year on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and bribery of a witness.
He served three terms on the UK board between 1995 and 2013 and was chairman from 1999 to 2002 and chairman pro tem in 2010.