Embattled Hinds County Judge Bobby DeLaughter has avoided testifying in a hearing to determine if he was improperly influenced by former District Attorney Ed Peters in a $1 billion theft of trade lawsuit.

The lawsuit is not related to the case in which DeLaughter is charged with five federal felonies in an alleged bribery conspiracy. He pleaded not guilty in that case.

Peters has been named in both cases but has not been charged with wrongdoing.

DeLaughter’s attorney had filed a motion he wouldn’t testify until they had a chance to review confidential documents in the case.

Circuit Judge Swan Yerger delayed DeLaughter’s testimony during the hearing Thursday.

Peters did not show up for the hearing.