Federal Court Resolves Counsel Conflict in Koistinen Case; Suppression Hearing Rescheduled for November
- Steve Jurrens
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The federal criminal case against Jeffrey Allen Koistinen is moving forward in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona following a series of significant procedural rulings, including the resolution of a potential conflict of interest involving his defense team.
Mr. Koistinen faces an 11-count indictment, including charges of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, Attempted Coercion and Enticement, and Receipt of Child Pornography.
Defense Conflict Issue Resolved
U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric J. Markovich has issued a definitive ruling to address the potential conflict of interest that arose from lead defense counsel Nicholas Loncar's prior representation of a potential government witness, Brandon Koistinen, who is the defendant's son.
During a September 12, 2025, status conference, the Court found that any actual conflict was "adequately addressed" by an established safeguard:
· The defendant's counsel will be allowed to remain on the case.
· The defense has retained independent counsel, Efthymios Katsarelis, who is "walled-off" from any confidential information and has been appointed to conduct the cross-examination of Brandon Koistinen, should the government call him as a witness.
· The defendant, Jeffrey Allen Koistinen, formally signed a Conflict Waiver on August 22, 2025, affirming his understanding and acceptance of this arrangement after consulting with independent counsel, Joel Chorny.
Separately, a motion filed by the defense seeking to prevent Brandon Koistinen from testifying was denied without prejudice on August 25, 2025, by District Judge Angela M. Martinez, who deemed the request premature.
Detention Motion Denied and Hearing Continued
Jeffrey Allen Koistinen remains in custody after Magistrate Judge Markovich denied his Supplemental Motion for Release from Custody on September 12, 2025. The defense had argued for his release to Pre-Trial Services, subject to conditions including electronic monitoring and residing at a facility like Dismas Charities.
The evidentiary hearing on the defendant's Motions to Suppress, which seek to exclude certain electronic evidence, has been continued at the request of the Government. The hearing, initially set for October 2, 2025, is now scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Eric J. Markovich.
