Federal judge cancels scheduled trial for Delaware developer

A federal judge has canceled the scheduled November trial for a Delaware developer charged with conspiracy and making false statements regarding alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

The judge’s order came after Joseph L. Capano’s lawyer said in court papers that the 74-year-old Capano has significant health problems, and that his family reported that he has been hallucinating and acting unusually for the past several weeks, leading to his hospitalization Wednesday.

Capano’s lawyer also noted that he has been concerned about Capano’s competency to stand trial and had retained a psychiatrist to conduct a mental evaluation.

Capano and his company, Riverbend Community LLC, are charged with conspiring with others to illegally discharge pollutants into wetlands. The indictment involves Riverbend at Old New Castle, a residential development in New Castle.