Hearing rescheduled for former reserve deputy

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – A hearing has been rescheduled for an ex-Oklahoma volunteer sheriff’s deputy charged with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting of an unarmed man.

A case review scheduled for Robert Bates, who resigned from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, was rescheduled Wednesday until Dec. 7 because the judge was unavailable.

Bates, flanked by family members, appeared with his attorney, Clark Brewster, and both declined to comment on the case.

Bates is accused of fatally shooting Eric Harris in April. He says he confused his stun gun and handgun, and has pleaded not guilty. Trial is set for February.

Bates’ friendship with indicted former sheriff, Stanley Glanz, has provoked questions about the reserve deputy program.

A 2009 memo alleged top sheriff’s officials knew Bates was inadequately trained, but pressured subordinates to ignore that.