Durham player: I can't afford attorney

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - One of the co-defendants in an alleged $216 million ponzi scheme told a federal judge Thursday that he can’t afford an attorney.

James Cochran is a co-defendant in a case involving embattled Indianapolis businessman Tim Durham and Fair Finance. On Wednesday, Cochran said he needed a public defender because he’s broke.

The judge told Cochran to search for less expensive legal representation before she makes her ruling on whether taxpayers should pick up the tab for his defense.

Durham's new attorney, John Tompkins, was at Wednesday’s hearing. Tompkins asked and was given another week before the judge rules on whether Durham's financial records should be made public. Durham wants parts of that statement kept private.

Cochran, Durham and Rick Snow were indicted in March on multiple counts of wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and securities fraud.