Terry Nichols' defense could deplete court funds

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Officials say defense costs for Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols could deplete court funds and affect services. <br><br>The Oklahoma Supreme Court authorized a $211,000

Thursday, February 20th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Officials say defense costs for Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols could deplete court funds and affect services.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court authorized a $211,000 payment to Nichols' attorneys Wednesday. The payment was approved in an emergency request from county court officials to exceed their budget.

The court has now paid more than $2.3-million since Nichols was brought to Oklahoma in January 2000 to face 160 counts of first-degree murder.

The payment covers defense services from July third through December 31st.

Nichols has four court-appointed attorneys.

A judge authorized use of the Oklahoma County Court Fund to pay Nichols' attorneys' fees in August 1999.

The source of the defense money is a collection of civil case fees, criminal fines, bond forfeitures and other money paid to the Oklahoma County court clerk.