(KAIR)--A continuance is granted in the case of a former physician assistant accused of sexually abusing patients at a local area Veterans Affairs hospital.

The Leavenworth Times reports the continuance in the case surrounding Horton resident Mark Wisner was placed on hold following a decision of the judge.

That decision is a reversal of the judge's earlier ruling that there would be no delay, scheduling the start date of Wisner's trial for April 3 in Leavenworth County District Court.

However, the newspaper, citing court documents, says the continuance was granted Friday.

Wisner is charged with one felony count of aggravated sexual battery, one felony count of aggravated criminal sodomy, and three misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 2012 and 2014 while Wisner was employed at the Eisenhower VA Medical Center, in Leavenworth.

Another hearing is scheduled for April 4.

A new trial date is expected to be set at that time.

The continuance request stemmed from the defense counsel's need for additional time to prepare, following the discovery of a new expert witness.