The case against a deceased University of Iowa professor who was accused of trading grades for sexual favors might now go to trial as late as December 2012.

According to court documents, a 6th Judicial District judge agreed Wednesday to exempt the case from a rule that requires civil cases to be tried within a year of their filing. The case will continue to be exempt from that rule until Dec. 31, 2012.

Miller, who was charged four counts of crimes relating to allegedly giving students higher grades for sexual favors in 2008. He went missing in August and committed suicide while law-enforcement authorities searched for him in Iowa City.

Two former UI students filed the lawsuit against Miller’s estate and the UI in May 2010.

— by Eric Moore