Dutschke Attorneys Ask to Withdraw

The Associated Press

ABERDEEN, Miss. (AP) — Federal Public Defenders George L. Lucas and Gregory S. Park have asked a judge to replace them as attorneys for of Tupelo, Miss., who is charged with mailing ricin-laced letters to President Obama and others.

The two, in federal court documents filed Monday, cite an undisclosed conflict with another client in the public defender’s office. A judge has not ruled on the motion.

Dutschke is scheduled for trial Oct. 7 in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen.

Dutschke is a former martial arts instructor arrested in late April after federal investigator claimed they linked him to letters mailed to Obama, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker of Tupelo and Lee County Justice Court Judge Sadie Holland.

Dutschke has pleaded not guilty. He remains in the Lafayette County jail without bond.