Former Portage Mayor James Snyder filed a motion for a new trial on a charge of obstructing the IRS, as sentencing in that conviction is scheduled for Jan. 14.

Snyder would like a new trial because during his first trial, the jury “was exposed to extensive testimony and exhibits” related to bribery – which the U.S. Supreme Court overturned – “that never would have been admissible at trial on the tax count alone,” according to a motion filed by Snyder’s attorney on Oct. 31.

While prosecutors have stated they would drop the bribery count to pursue the obstruction of the IRS charge, “it became apparent that nearly 90% of Mr. Snyder’s trial on the tax count was devoted to evidence and testimony on the (bribery) counts,” Snyder’s attorney wrote.

“Based on the extraordinary circumstances of t

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