The former fund-raiser charged with scheming to funnel illegal campaign contributions to embattled city Comptroller John Liu has been sent to the nuthouse, further delaying his trial.
Xing Wu “Oliver” Pan is “involuntarily committed in connection with a mental-health condition” and undergoing treatment, Manhattan federal Judge Richard Sullivan said in court today.
Sullivan put off Pan’s trial, which was supposed to be under way already, until April 15 — unless Pan is fit before then.
Sources have told The Post that Pan was locked up Friday over fears he was suicidal.
Defense lawyer Irwin Rochman said he would be ready for trial within a few day of Pan’s release.
A lawyer for co-defendant Jia “Jenny” Hou, Liu’s former campaign treasurer, said she didn’t want a separate trial ahead of Pan because she plans to use his expected testimony as part of her defense.
Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf said the postponement poses a problem for Liu, who has all but declared his candidacy for mayor.
”It just leaves the case hanging over him for another two months. It keeps the informed public guessing about whether he is involved in fundraising violations or not,” Sheinkopf said.
Additional reporting by Carl Campanile