Spectator Removed From Nifong Ethics Proceedings

Raleigh, N.C. — Proceedings were delayed briefly Tuesday afternoon in the ethics trial of Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong when security officers had to remove a woman from the court.

Victoria Peterson, who says she is a political activist in Durham, has loudly supported Nifong over the past year, having publicly said the district attorney has been treated unfairly because he tried to help a black woman.

According to sources in the courtroom, Maryellen Finnerty, the mother of Collin Finnerty, one of three men indicted and charged in the Duke lacrosse case, felt threatened when Peterson started speaking loudly.

Hearing commission chair F. Lane Williamson, who did not cite Peterson by name, said only that a "security issue" led officials to remove one person who won't be allowed back.