Lawyer removed from Jefferson siblings' case NEW ORLEANS (AP) (wrkf) - An attorney who has been representing the brother and sister of Congressman William Jefferson in a criminal case is being removed from that case because of a conflict of interest.

Federal prosecutors had said that Ike Spears should be removed from the case because he has offered legal advice to several members of the Jefferson family including Brenda Foster, the youngest of the Jefferson siblings.

Foster already has pleaded guilty to a crime in a case involving federal allegations that Spears' clients -- Mose Jefferson and Betty Jefferson -- bilked publicly financed charities. Prosecutors said that creates divided loyalties for Spears.

U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle ruled Spears off the case on Tuesday noting that Spears did not oppose the government's motion to remove him. © Copyright 2009, wrkf