He also criticized a WSP trooper for releasing the results of Russell's blood alcohol tests, asking the judge, "Who is he to be releasing information to the media instead of the court?"

Duarte, a former Assistant Attorney General, told the judge the media should only report on court proceedings and hearings.

If Duarte got his wish, stories about the WSP investigation, Russell's escape, and his capture in Ireland never would've made air.

This is factual information reporters and the public are entitled to. Duarte may blame the press, but even the judge agreed Russell brought the coverage on himself when he dodged his responsibility to appear in court, and launched an expensive international 5-year manhunt.

Russell's defense paid $10,000 for a survey of Whitman County residents. It found most people in the area have heard of Fred Russell. While the survey results don't come as a surprise, Duarte's comments about muzzling press coverage did.