NEW YORK (AP) -- Prosecutors in New York say an indictment can be delayed against one of America's richest men in a massive insider trading case so negotiations to settle the case can finish.

Federal prosecutors notified the court by letter Monday that the deadline for an indictment should be extended by one month while talks continue between the government and lawyers for hedge fund operator Raj Rajaratnam (RAHJ rah-juh-RUHT'-nuhm). Rajaratnam's lawyer did not immediately return a message for comment. A judge granted the extension until Dec. 16.

Rajaratnam is among 20 people charged in a $52 million insider trading case. He remains free on $100 million bail. Prosecutors said talks were going on as recently as last week "regarding a possible disposition of these cases."

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