Judge Rejects Passaro's Bid To Get New Legal Counsel

A Lillington man accused of beating an Afghan prisoner is stuck with his lawyer.

David Passaro asked a judge Wednesday if he could hire a new attorney.

The judge denied the request, saying a private attorney would not have the same access or resources as his public defenders.

Passaro said he wanted an attorney who's more open with the media. He has been awaiting trial for the past several months.