Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) – A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss the criminal case against suspended Pike County Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall.

Hall was indicted in April on federal charges of mail fraud and theft of government funds. Prosecutors allege he paid an individual more than $440,000 in salary and benefits for little to no actual work while serving as an assistant county attorney.

In his motion, Hall presented four separate arguments to have the indictment thrown out. However, the judge ruled that he did not provide enough evidence to show the indictment was insufficient.

The case against Hall remains active in federal court.