Former PTL leaders Jim Bakker and Richard Dortch each put up $50,000 bond Thursday in their initial court appearances on federal mail and wire fraud charges related to their handling of ministry finances.

At the request of Bakker's lead attorney, George Davis, arraignment and entry of pleas by the two defrocked ministers were delayed until Jan. 17 by U.S. Magistrate Paul Taylor.Davis, who recently joined Bakker's defense team, originally requested a continuance until mid-February but that brought an objection from Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Miller.

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In asking for the delay, Davis cited the possibility of more federal charges against Bakker and Dortch. But Miller said the government anticipates no further counts against the men.

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