A defendant in a Lawrence child pornography case plans to ask the Kansas Board of Indigents’ Defense Services to cover higher than expected costs for an expert witness.

Angela Keck, the defense attorney for the 27-year-old man who no longer lives in Kansas, on Thursday asked for a delay in the proceedings so she could speak to BIDS officials.

Prosecutors accuse the man of possessing in 2005 several images and videos on his computer of children being molested.

Chief District Judge Robert Fairchild in April ruled that the Topeka-based defense expert must examine evidence in the case at a secure lab in Kansas City or the Lawrence Police Department.

Keck said the expert witness gave her original estimates based on being able to examine them in Topeka. Many state agencies, including BIDS, face a budget crunch because of the recession.

Fairchild granted Keck the extra time in the case, and he set the next hearing for Aug. 20.

“I think your request is appropriate. You do need an expert witness in this case,” Fairchild said.