VALPARAISO | A former Valparaiso woman suffered another setback this week in defending herself against charges of welfare and Medicaid fraud.

Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper rejected a request by Len Huynh to toss out evidence collected by police.

As a result, prosecutors will be free to introduce the evidence when the case goes to trial Oct. 20.

Harper rejected arguments this week that police violated Huynh's Constitutional freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures when collecting evidence from her car and bag.

The judge also upheld the validity of a search warrant issued by another court that was used by police to enter Huynh's former Valparaiso residence.

The ruling comes nearly two months after Harper threw out a plea agreement that would have resolved the case without going to trial.