Trial delayed for IHOP franchisee, wife
5/30/2014The federal money-laundering trial of former IHOP franchisee Tarek Elkafrawi and his wife, Kelly Elkafrawi, has been continued until July 20.
Rick Kerger, attorney for Mr. Elkafrawi, asked for the trial date to be pushed back, citing his recent completion of a three-week jury trial in U.S. District Court and the discovery of mold in his home causing him to lose “roughly a week of time in preparation.”
Judge David Katz agreed Wednesday to continue the trial of the couple, who live in Wood County’s Middleton Township. Mr. Kerger said his motion was not related to Tuesday’s dismissal of charges against co-defendant Autumn Lee Tangas of Sylvania.
Mr. Elkafrawi, who operated seven IHOPs in northwest Ohio and Evansville, Ind., is charged with money laundering and multiple counts of alien harboring, mail fraud, identity theft, and other charges stemming from the alleged employment of illegal immigrants at the pancake restaurants. Mrs. Elkafrawi is charged with money laundering and two counts of alien harboring.