April 17 (Bloomberg) -- Bernard Madoff’s accountant, David Friehling, won’t have to appear in court until May 18 as part of a criminal case in connection with the money manager’s Ponzi scheme.

Friehling, who was arrested for securities fraud last month, was scheduled to appear today in federal court in Manhattan. The court appearance was postponed because his lawyer is discussing a possible “disposition” with prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Baroni said in a court filing.

Such language is standard in postponement requests and doesn’t necessarily mean Friehling is having plea talks with prosecutors. Prosecutors used similar language when they previously postponed a Madoff court appearance. Madoff later pleaded guilty without a plea deal from prosecutors.

Friehling, who is free on bail, allegedly deceived investors by falsely certifying that he had audited the financial statements of Madoff’s firm. He hasn’t entered a formal response to the government’s allegations.

The case is U.S. v. Friehling, 09-mag-729, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

To contact the reporter on this story: David Glovin in New York federal court at dglovin@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: April 17, 2009 16:00 EDT