A Ft Payne Judge says prosecutors in the trial of former State Senator Lowell Barron, and a long- time campaign aide, Jill Johnson – can present evidence that their relationship was – “more than professional,” but they can’t discuss whether or not the relationship was “romantic.”   

Circuit Judge Randall Cole issued the order on Thursday (April 10th) saying that presenting such testimony would create a danger of prejudice; Barron’s attorney’s maintain that the relationship was professional.

Both Lowell Barron and Jill Johnson are scheduled to go on trial Monday (April 14th), on ethics and campaign finance charges accusing them of using some $58,000 in campaign donations from Barron’s failed bid for re-election in 2010.

(Ft Payne Times-Journal/www.times-journal.com/Associated Press)