Black and her attorney Mark Beatty filed a motion in civil court yesterday contending that the criminal case was in retaliation for her sexual harassment lawsuit against high-ranking police officers that was settled in 2001.

But Circuit Judge Gary Chang indicated it was not appropriate for a civil judge to interfere with criminal proceedings. The judge also denied Black's request to halt any police administrative proceedings against Black.

City Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Van Marter opposed the requests.

Black has pleaded not guilty to charges of unauthorized use of city computers, fourth-degree theft and tampering with a government record. She's accused of exceeding her authority to use a computer at the city medical examiner's office last year.

Her trial is scheduled for the week of Oct. 16.