SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing the case of a former Coldwater Creek employee accused of making more than $260,000 in unauthorized charges on a company credit card was postponed on Wednesday.

Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Larry Goins and Susan Alene Hopkins’ defense counsel, Michael Palmer, stipulated to a continuance because of voluminous amount of discovery documents in the case, court records show.

There are as many as 800 pages of discovery, most of which involve financial records and documents. In order for effective settlement negotiations or further hearings, expert witnesses on accounting would have to be retained, the motion said.

Hopkins’ preliminary hearing is tentatively being reset for February of next year.

Hopkins, a 53-year-old from Kootenai, is charged with grand theft and remains free on her own recognizance while the case is pending. Hopkins was an executive assistant to Georgia Shonk-Simmons, Coldwater Creek’s chief merchandising officer and former CEO.

The alleged thefts occurred from 2006 to 2010.

Hopkins, also known as Scott, allegedly used a company credit card to purchase eletronics, computer equipment and other items. The line of credit was also allegedly used to help pay for her 2009 nuptials, according to court documents.