A federal judge has set an October 6 trial date for a Louisiana legislator accused of helping launder money for a woman accused of illegally selling insurance.

Derrick Shepherd

State Senator Derrick Shepherd, who was indicted in April did not appear in court for Friday's hearing before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier. Charges against Shepherd include mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The Marrero Democrat allegedly deposited construction bond premiums in his bank accounts for unlicensed bond broker Gwendolyn Joseph Moyo after her accounts were seized by state regulators.

Moyo remains in custody in the case. Barbier refused to set bail for her Friday, saying she is a flight risk and could victimize others if set free.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)