OSSIPEE, N.H. (AP) – A Carroll County corrections officer accused of asking an inmate to beat up a newspaper staffer has run out of money for his defense.

Corrections Officer Ronald Hutchins is accused of asking inmate Carl Brooks to beat up a former Conway Daily Sun editor in July 2004.

At the time of the beating, former community editor Guy Priel was in jail awaiting trial on child pornography charges. His trial is on hold while he undergoes testing to determine whether he is mentally competent.

Hutchins is accused of unlocking cell doors and turning off surveillance cameras to help Brooks carry out the attack. Both men were scheduled for trial later this month, but Hutchins’ trial could be postponed.

According to court records, Hutchins’ defense has already cost $25,000. His private lawyer asked to withdraw recently when he could not pay her another $20,000 retainer, saying that continuing to represent him would cause her serious financial hardship. The court appointed a public defender to replace her.

AP-ES-10-10-05 0752EDT