A judge has issued a “gag order” in the case of a Frost teen charged in the assault of a former Blue Earth Area football teammate.
Faribault County prosecutors made the request during a court hearing held March 1 in Blue Earth before Martin County Judge Michael Trushenski.
According to court papers, Wyatt Eugene Tungland’s attorney Chris Ritts is accused of making disparaging comments in a news story in Tripleanews.com about the prosecutors, specifically assistant County Attorney LaMar Piper.
Trushenski has instructed all parties and attorneys in the case and law enforcement officials not to discuss any aspect of the case with the press.
All employees in the County Attorney’s Office and staff working for Ritts also are included under the order.
“The order applies to the defendant, defendant’s immediate family, the victim’s immediate family and the Winnebago Police Department,” says Trushenski.
The press may still have access to any hearings or files involving the case. However, persons associated with the case must have permission from the court to make any public comment.
Tungland has pleaded innocent to third-degree assault, aiding and abetting third-degree assault and furnishing alcohol to persons under the age of 21. His trial is scheduled April 23-26 in Faribault County District Court.