The case against former Viola Mayor Michael Lester has been continued to next year. The defense asked for the delay Monday in Mercer County Circuit Court. Lester was charged in August with one felony count of theft between $500 and $10,000 and 38 felony counts of official misconduct. The allegations involve a time period between October of 2022 and July of 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on bond. A pre-trial conference is set for March 4. Lester stepped down as mayor this past fall.
