NATCHEZ &8212; The discovery hearing for Circuit Clerk M.L. &8220;Binkey&8221; Vines has been moved to January, the presiding judge said Wednesday.

The hearing, which ensures both parties have complied with research requirements, was originally set to be held next week.

Vines was served an indictment on Sept. 14 on charges of 13 counts of embezzlement. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment the next day.

Judge Joe Webster from Coahoma County will preside over the case. Circuit Court Judges Lillie Blackmon Sanders and Forrest &8220;Al&8221; Johnson recused themselves from the case.

Webster said the attorneys involved asked him for an extension Tuesday.

The new discovery hearing date was set for Jan. 15, Webster said.

A trial date will also likely be set at that time.

Vines allegedly embezzled $228,760 over the 2002-2003 fiscal year. A 2003 audit found understated fees and a lack of documentation in the circuit clerk&8217;s office.

The Mississippi Attorney General&8217;s Office is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of embezzlement, a felony, Vines would have to leave his office.

In past audits, Vines has been cited for bookkeeping problems. According to other findings, Vines did not file required documents with the state and has bounced various checks written to the county.

Each time, he said he would correct the problem.