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A federal judge is expected to decide if there is any conflict of interest between an attorney named in the Abel Limas scandal and his attorney.

Court records show U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen wants to know if there is a conflict of interest between Marc Rosenthal and his defense attorney Ernesto Gamez.

Judge Hanen ordered a hearing to discuss the issue on Friday, February 13th.

No exact reasons were given but Judge Hanen wrote in his order that he wanted to hear evidence or arguments why the court should consider disqualifying Gamez as Rosenthal’s attorney.

Rosnethal filed an emergency motion to have Hanen’s order sealed but the judge denied the request.

Action 4 News contacted both Rosenthal and Gamez about the hearing.

Neither of them returned calls to Action 4 News.

Former 404th State District  Court Judge Abel, Rosenthal and eight other have been charged in the cash for court favors scandal.

Limas and seven others have pleaded in the guilty are expected to be sentenced.

Rosenthal and Ray Marchan, another attorney named in the case, maintain their innocence and are expected to go to trial later this year.

Exact Words of Judge Hanen’s Order:

“The court will hear testimony, should any party wish to offer evidence, and arguments on the issue of a potential conflict between defense counsel and the defendant. It will also consider all other evidence or argument concerning any issue/reason why the court should consider the disqualification of counsel.”