SC sheriff warned, but not silenced by judge

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A judge has refused to issue a gag order against the Richland County sheriff in the case of a missing teen.

An attorney for the man charged with kidnapping the teen asked for the gag order after Sheriff Leon Lott called the suspect a monster and saying that Freddie Grant made him sick to his stomach.

Judge DeAndrea Benjamin’s order Wednesday did warn the sheriff and others they need to follow rules of professional conduct that say statements by law enforcement need to be limited to informing the public or explaining law enforcement action to ensure the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Gabrielle Swainson hasn’t been seen since her mother left for work on Aug. 18.