Judge takes DA Matt Tingstad off the Petrusha case in Iron County.

HURLEY – Iron County District Attorney Matt Tingstad is no longer responsible for prosecuting former Hurley fire chief Darrell Petrusha after a judge removed Tingstad from the case, citing a totality of circumstances that “gave the appearance of impropriety.”  Taylor County Judge Ann Knox-Bauer who is presiding over the case wrote in a ruling last month. “the public has the right to a prosecutor who is viewed to be free from any issues that would prevent him from doing justice.”  The defense’s argument for Tingstad’s removal, alleged that Tingstad’s need to potentially defend his own interests presents a conflict of interest that prevents him from being able to serve as prosecutor of the case.  The circumstances leading to the judge’s decision involve accusations the defense has made regarding Tingstad and his actions in the case.  Petrusha is charged with one count of identity theft related to his alleged improper use of a department credit card for personal expenses.  Tingstad declined to comment on Knox-Bauer’s decision.  The court is expected to appoint a special prosecutor to replace Tingstad in handling Petrusha’s case.