Woman accused of trying to extort Louisville coach Rick Pitino wants June trial moved

Accused woman wants Pitino extortion trial moved

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The woman accused of attempting to extort money from University of Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino is asking a judge to move her trial out of Louisville.

Federal court records show the attorney for Karen Cunigan Sypher filed a motion in U.S. District Court on Friday that asks that the June trial be moved to Bowling Green or Owensboro. She argues extensive media coverage would make it difficult to find impartial jurors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kuhn told The Courier-Journal on Saturday that the government will oppose the move, but said he will explain why in a filed response with the court next week.

Sypher has pleaded not guilty to trying to extort money from Pitino, retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI.