Judge Wolfe denies DA-office disqualification in Gregory Hansard case, finds John Stephens screened; trial set for May 29

Judge David D. Wolfe denied a defense motion to disqualify the 20 Third Judicial District Attorney's Office from prosecuting the case against defendant Gregory Hansard, finding by clear and convincing evidence that the office had effectively screened former public defender John Stephens from participating in the prosecution. The court ruled that Stephens personally is disqualified from involvement but that the remainder of the district attorney's office may continue to prosecute. The case remains set for trial on May 29.

The motion was prompted by Hansard's claim that Stephens, who represented him while employed at the public defender's office, later joined the district attorney's office and posed a risk that confidential defense information could be disclosed. Hansard testified that Stephens represented him beginning in late 2023, that they met in…