CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge has granted another continuance for the developer of an unbuilt Wyoming power plant, pushing back the sentencing hearing to next year.

The action marks the fifth time that 71-year-old Michael J. Ruffatto has been granted more time. In court documents, his lawyers say they are nearing a financial settlement that could affect sentencing.

Ruffatto pleaded guilty last year to falsifying documents related to $5.7 million in unaccounted-for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Much of the money was supposed to be used for a feasibility study at the proposed Two Elk power plant in northeast Wyoming where only a concrete pad and steel-sided building have gone up.

Prosecutors are seeking at least three years of prison time.

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