San Diego

A judge issued a gag order Thursday barring attorneys and court personnel from talking to the press regarding the Nancy Hoover Hunter fraud trial.

U. S. District Judge Earl Gilliam refused to discuss his reasons for the order after the court session Thursday, saying he is also covered by the gag order.

Richard Marmaro, one of Hunter’s attorneys, protested the gag order in court, saying it is unfair that the defense cannot air its side of the story to the news media.

Marmaro told the judge the gag order is an “inappropriate restraint on the defense.”

But Gilliam responded that there is to be “no trying the case in the press.”

Gilliam expressed irritation at Assistant U. S. Atty. S. Gay Hugo on Thursday about some comments she made, but did not address the remark specifically.

On Wednesday, the San Diego Union quoted Hugo as saying that the defense is “making a mountain out of a molehill and the judge is letting them.” She was referring to a longstanding dispute between the prosecution and the defense attorneys, who allege that she is not turning over documents to them on time.

Gilliam said the order will last until after the jury returns its verdict in the case, which concerns Hunter’s involvement in the scandal-tainted J. David & Co. investment firm.

The failed business was begun by Hoover’s former lover, J. David (Jerry) Dominelli, who is serving a 20-year federal prison term for his part in the Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of $180 million.

The order will also forbid court clerks and attorneys from disclosing whether the trial is in recess or in session, when the jury is deliberating or when a verdict has been reached.