RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -A prosecutor says the state trials of Michael Vick and three co-defendants on dogfighting charges will be delayed until they are freed from federal prison.

Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter says it's not worth the expense for Surry County to get the men from prisons in different states for trial and escort them back later.

Vick and the other defendants face charges of beating or killing dogs, or causing dogs to fight other dogs, and engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is serving a 23-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges in a dogfighting operation. The others received sentences of up to 21 months in prison.

One defendant, Tony Taylor, has already been released. His state trial is scheduled for July 26.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.