CHARLOTTE — A federal judge again has granted requests to postpone court proceedings for former Buncombe County managers Wanda Greene and Mandy Stone, meaning their attorneys aren't scheduled to appear before a judge until early next year.

U.S. District Judge Robert Conrad on Monday scheduled a status conference for Jan. 28 and reset a docket call for the federal case against the ex-managers to Feb. 4. It was Greene's fourth request to postpone proceedings since the first of three grand jury indictments were handed up against her earlier this year, and the second such request made by Stone since her August indictment.

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The postponement comes as lawyers on both sides say they are negotiating plea deals — and despite a Sept. 22 motion for a continuance filed by Noell Tin, one of Greene's attorneys, that said "the likelihood of agreement is such that a final continuance will render trial unnecessary."

What charges are Greene and Stone facing?

Greene and Stone are accused of participating in a yearslong scheme with Georgia-based engineer Joe Wiseman in which they took bribes and kickbacks in exchange for county work. Prosecutors allege they took vacations around the U.S. — and some international trips — along with sporting event tickets, spa treatments and wine, while companies associated with Wiseman have received more than $15 million in county work since the mid-1980s.

The cost of the gifts were then recouped by Wiseman through his invoices to the county, according to the indictment.

Greene and Stone were charged with aiding and abetting, conspiracy to defraud the federal government and receipt of bribes and kickbacks. Wiseman has not been charged.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION:Read the Citizen Times' coverage

The most serious charges carry a maximum 25-year prison sentence per count. Wire fraud charges can be served consecutively, meaning Greene and Stone each could face 580 years.

When the alleged crimes occurred

Greene was Buncombe County manager for nearly two decades before she retired in June 2017. She was replaced by Stone, who served as assistant manager and health and human services director before taking the top administrative position.

The U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed its investigation into Greene in August 2017. Stone abruptly retired this summer, with county officials later saying they learned she was under investigation the day before she notified commissioners of her departure.

Greene also has been accused of money laundering, embezzlement, tax fraud and other charges after prosecutors said she used county-issued credit cards for personal purchases and bought valuable life insurance policies for herself and other employees without commissioner approval.

Other key figures in the Buncombe investigation

Jon Creighton, former planning director and assistant county manager, also was indicted in August in connection with the alleged bribery scheme. He reached a deal with federal prosecutors late last month, pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge and admitting that he received more than $40,000 in gifts and things of value to which he was not lawfully entitled, according to court records.

Creighton also agreed to cooperate with investigators and to potentially testify against his former bosses. He is awaiting sentencing.

Michael Greene, Wanda Greene's adult son and an ex-county staffer, was indicted alongside his mother earlier this year in connection with the county credit cards. He pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge under a deal with prosecutors and also is awaiting sentencing.

Michael Greene is the only indicted ex-staffer to have settled a civil lawsuit with the county, agreeing to pay $40,000. The former managers, along with Wiseman, still are being sued by Buncombe.