Idaho professor again files motion on judge

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho State University professor has filed another motion asking a federal bankruptcy judge to reconsider after the judge denied two motions earlier this month to recuse himself and others.

Thomas Hale on Friday asked U.S. Bankruptcy Judge William T. Thurman to reconsider his decision with the latest motion.

Hale is a history professor and director of the Oral History Project at the school. He was charged in federal court last month with falsely claiming that he mailed out a dangerous substance.

Hale, 61, was arrested in Salt Lake City and faces three felony charges for mailing a substance he claimed was hantavirus to a trustee overseeing his bankruptcy case. He has pleaded not guilty.

Hantavirus, which is carried by rodents and can cause acute respiratory problems or death, has sickened at least 317 Americans and killed at least 93 since 1996.

In Hale's earlier motion, he said Thurman should recuse himself because he could be called as a witness for the prosecution.

Hale is currently suspended with pay from the school.