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CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) -- The trial for Sheriff David "Dude" Benson will remain in Iron County.
A judge has decided Benson can have a fair and impartial jury trial in Iron County, according to court records.
Benson is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice; witness tampering; misuse of public money; two counts of theft; stealing, destroying or mutilating public records by custodian; and misuse of public money or, alternatively, unlawful dealing of property by a fiduciary.
Attorney General's office spokesman Paul Murphy said he could not comment on the change of venue decision without knowing the contents of the ruling.
Defense co-council Ed Brass said the decision was fair, but he was concerned about the multiple charges against Benson would take place at one trial.
"I would contemplate asking the judge for separate trials for all or some of the charges," he said.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
