James Bartee (right) and his attorney (left) talk to the media after his bond hearing. (May 31, 2012/FOX Carolina)ANDERSON, SC (AP) -
A judge has told prosecutors and defense attorneys in Anderson they need the court's permission before talking to reporters about evidence in the case of a former Secret Service charged with trying to kidnap a former judge.
Circuit Judge Lawton McIntosh issued the ruling Thursday after prosecutors asked for a gag order in the case. Prosecutor Chrissy Adams asked for the order after James Bartee's lawyer suggested a tape that investigators say is Bartee setting up the kidnapping might have been tampered with.
McIntosh says law enforcement and Bartee's defense have both gone too far in discussing evidence. He says any other comments must be only in the courtroom.
Bartee was arrested in May as he ran for Oconee County sheriff.
Adams denies tampering with evidence.
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