FRANKFORT, KY (WMDJ)— The federal trial for suspended circuit judge Howard Keith Hall is now underway.

Hall was indicted earlier this year by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud and theft of government property. Prosecutors allege Hall paid someone more than $440,000 in salary and benefits for little to no work while serving as an assistant county attorney.

His defense team had previously asked the court to dismiss the charges, but a federal judge denied that request in October.

Hall remains suspended from his judicial duties pending the outcome of the case.