lawyer

#Jeremy Johnson wants to be own lawyer in criminal case

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Utah businessman Jeremy Johnson says a judge should let him serve as his own lawyer in his federal fraud case because he claims the federal government is listening to private conversations with his lawyers.

Johnson says in court documents filed Thursday that his current attorney has a conflict and needs to be replaced, but Johnson would rather represent himself. He also says a new attorney will delay his case.

His attorney Ron Yengich declined to comment Friday.

Lawyer Greg Skordas is expected to replace Yengich. He said Friday he was unaware of Johnson's request. Skordas says a judge set a Friday afternoon hearing to discuss the issue.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Utah declined to comment.

Prosecutors say Johnson's online company bilked consumers out of millions by offering bogus services.

Johnson has pleaded not guilty.

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