The federal fraud trial of former Calumet Township Trustee Dozier Allen Jr. begins today.

Allen and two co-defendants -- deputy trustees Wanda Joshua and Ann Marie Karras -- face trial before Hammond federal Judge Philip Simon today, with a fourth defendant following.

Simon split the proceedings for the fourth defendant, Albert Young Jr., whose attorney Simon said is undergoing a medical issue preventing her from participating in today's trial.

Allen and the others are charged with stealing more than $140,000 from a program intended to help the township compile lists of welfare recipients.

All four have pleaded not guilty.

On March 17, Joshua pleaded guilty to additional charges that she failed to file tax returns for 2001 and 2002. She did not sign a plea agreement with the government that could provide a benefit in exchange for her guilty plea.

She admitted to failing to file returns on $76,469 in 2001 and $102,500 in 2002, and Simon accepted her guilty pleas.

Joshua faces a maximum of two years in prison and a $200,000 fine. Her sentencing is set for June 16.