Several more counts thrown out against Lance

In the bank fraud case of former Budget Director T. Bertram Lance, US District Court Judge Charles A. Moye Jr. threw out several more counts of the indictment against Mr. Lance Wednesday afternoon.

Two of the counts thrown out -- on alleged false financial statements and misapplication of bank funds -- were taken out at the request of prosecutors, Monitor correspondent Bob Press reported. The judge decided to throw out another count, regarding a loan the government alleged was made under false pretenses (for Mr. Lance's gubernatorial campaign in 1974 and not for the person named).

In an earlier development, allegations of false statements by Mr. Lance regarding his net worth were rebutted by a defense lawyer, who told the Monitor the prosecution had neglected to include assets kept in Mr. Lance's safe deposit box.