Corruption case keeps prosecutors

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COLORADO CITY, Ariz., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- An Arizona judge says he will not disqualify prosecutors in a case against two officials in a corruption case.

Colorado City (Ariz.) Fire Chief Jacob Barlow and town Manager David Darger are each accused of multiple felonies involving illegal purchases and suspicious travel expenses.

Defense attorneys asked that the Mohave County's Attorney's Office be removed from the case, arguing a conflict of interest, that the attorney's office was the Fire District's attorneys at the time of the alleged crimes.

Superior Court Judge Steven Conn in denying the motion indicated there was no evidence the attorney's office represented the men or offered them legal advice, the Mohave Daily News reported.

Barlow and Darger were indicted on public corruption counts in August, after police in the adjacent towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City sought evidence of illegal money transfers, travel expenses and purchases.

The majority of the towns' residents are adherents of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints, led by Warren Jeffs, which encourages polygamy.