TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Leon County judge denied a gag order for the former employee accusing Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll of having a relationship with one of her female aides.
"I'm not going to enter a gag order, but I'm expecting compliance with the rule of professional conduct," said Judge Frank Sheffield.
The prosecution wanted a gag order for Carletha Cole, a former employee charged with illegally recording a conversation with a member of Gov. Rick Scott's staff and leaking it to reporters.
Cole's attorneys claim their client was setup because she caught Carroll in a compromising position with a female aid. Carroll has denied the allegations.
Steve Andrews, one of Cole's attorneys, said the judge wasn't happy with out lawyers on both sides were handling the case.
"It was joint scolding. You know Judge Sheffield wants a fair trial and so do we," said Andrews.
Even before the gag order was issued, both sides agreed to tone it down.
"All sides should air on the side of caution with regards to public statements and we will," said Andrews.
Before Andrews began speaking out, he said Cole wasn't being treated fairly in the media. Now, he feels the playing field for his client in the court of public opinion has been leveled.
The next move for the defense is to file a deposition list, and Carroll will be on it.