Dr. Albert Aiad-Toss of Canfield, 52, who has been locked up awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges since Sept. 14, 2019, has dropped his request to represent himself.

Prosecutors allege that Aiad-Toss solicited and coerced six minor girls from 12 to 15 years old to engage in sex acts with him and perform sex acts for him in exchange for money.

His trial was supposed to begin last month in federal court, Cleveland, but his attorney at the time, Jay Milano, said he could not participate in a trial because of COVID-19 concerns. Milano said his age puts him at higher risk for serious health concerns if he contracts the virus.

After that, Aiad-Toss asked to represent himself.

Judge Pamela Barker held a hearing in the case on Monday. Milano attended via video.

The judge approved a request for Milano and attorney Kate Pruchnicki to withdraw as Aiad-Toss’s attorneys and for attorney Darrin Thompson of the federal public defender’s office to be appointed in their place.

Aiad-Toss, who worked for an outside company as an emergency room doctor at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital until his charges were unsealed, is facing charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.

Aiad-Toss has no new trial date, according to court records.