Federal prosecutors want more time to prepare their New Hampshire case against a traveling medical technician accused of infecting patients with hepatitis C.

David Kwiatkowski was charged with illegally obtaining drugs and tampering with a consumer product. He’s accused of stealing drugs from Exeter Hospital and contaminating syringes that were used on patients, 30 of whom have been diagnosed with the same strain of hepatitis C he carries.

By law, prosecutors have 30 days to indict him, but the U.S. attorney’s office on Thursday requested a delay until Oct. 5, saying it needs more time for scientific analysis and to interview witnesses in other states.

Health officials have confirmed that Kwiatkowski worked in at least 18 hospitals, including Hays, since 2003. His lawyer agreed to the delay.