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Lawyer Kicked Out Of Courtroom

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- A racketeering and drug case got heated in a Blue Earth County courtroom, causing the judge to order the defense attorney to leave.

District Court Judge Kurt Johnson became irritated Thursday when defense attorney Thomas Dunnwald said he wasn't ready to argue a motion because the prosecutor hadn't turned over all necessary material. It didn't help when Dunnwald forgot to silence his cell phone and it rang in the courtroom.

Prosecutor Chris Rovney said he would provide an audio copy of an interview defendant Cedric Berry had with investigators once the sound was enhanced.

That caused an outburst from Dunnwald. Johnson then ordered him to leave the courtroom. Berry is facing racketeering and drug charges. The Mankato Free Press says Berry is accused of using his gang connections to sell cocaine.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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