Former North Dakota Workers’ Comp Director Wants Trial Moved

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A former North Dakota workers’ compensation director is asking a judge to move his criminal trial from Bismarck to Fargo.

Sandy Blunt faces two felony charges that accuse him of misspending Workforce Safety and Insurance funds during his time as the agency’s director. He was forced out of his job in December 2007.

Bismarck attorney Michael Hoffman is representing Blunt, and he argues in court papers that Blunt cannot get a fair trial in Bismarck.

Burleigh County prosecutor Lloyd Suhr says Blunt’s case got publicity across the state. Suhr says Blunt’s trial would be as fair in Bismarck as it would be in Fargo.

The more serious of the two felony charges carries a maximum 10-year prison term.