Lawyer Gets in Trouble Over Duct-Tape Incident

A Louisiana district judge has found a public defender in contempt of court after he filmed a bailiff duct-taping a defendant's mouth during a sentencing hearing this month, the AP reports. The Acadiana Advocate reports state District Judge Marilyn Castle barred attorney Michael Gregory from bringing a cellphone into the 15th Judicial District court building or from using anyone else's cellphone in the court house for six months. She also ordered him to pay a $100 fine. Gregory says he plans to appeal Friday's ruling.

The contempt hearing was called after Gregory filmed a bailiff putting tape on Michael C. Duhon's mouth during his July 18 sentencing hearing. Duhon repeatedly objected during the proceedings despite requests from Castle to remain silent or speak through his attorney, Aaron Adams. Duhon, who was accused of theft and money laundering, was sentenced to 11 years with credit for his time served. (The singer R. Kelly was also held in contempt of court.)