A former Northampton County solicitor and public defender will stand trial on theft charges.

Anthony Martino appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

The new charges against Martino are in addition to charges filed against him late last year, said Asst. District Attorney Robert Eyer.

A 16-count grand jury indictment alleges Martino stole money from some of his private clients in what was described as a "rob Peter to pay Paul" scenario.

Martino is due back in court for a formal arraignment on the additional charges  May 2; his trial on the original charges is scheduled for April 22, Eyer said.