Prosecutors seek defense lawyer's removal NEW ORLEANS (AP) (wrkf) - Federal prosecutors say a defense attorney should be disqualified from representing two siblings of a Louisiana congressman in a fraud case.

Ike Spears is defending New Orleans tax assessor Betty Jefferson and her brother Moses Jefferson against charges they pocketed grant money earmarked for charitable and educational programs.

Prosecutors argue that Spears shouldn't be allowed to represent the siblings because he also has represented a third member of the Jefferson family who is cooperating with investigators.

U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle didn't immediately rule on the government's request Monday to disqualify Spears from the case. © Copyright 2010, wrkf