New Date Set for "Eagle Eight" Trial

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – A trial for eight employees arrested during a controversial raid on a Midtown gay bar has again been rescheduled.

A spokeswoman for Atlanta Municipal Court Judge Crystal Gaines confirms the trial of the so-called "Eagle Eight" will now take place March 11th. It was scheduled for next Thursday. The court official says the city needs more time to prepare its case. The case has already been pushed back several times for the same reason.

In September, Atlanta Police raided the Atlanta Eagle based on a tip of drug activity and lewd conduct.

Police found no drugs and the only charges from the raid were on code violations.

Nineteen bar patrons are suing the city in federal court for civil rights violations.

An internal police investigation continues.