Pa. stripper pole dad to request change of venue

EASTON, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania father accused of hosting a teen party featuring alcohol and a stripper pole says he can’t get a fair trial because of media coverage.

Steven A. Russo will ask a Northampton County judge for a change of venue after the judge rejected a plea agreement last month. A hearing on the request is scheduled for Friday.

The 37-year-old Bethlehem Township man was charged with corruption of minors, providing then with alcohol and other charges. He was charged after racy photos surfaced of students drinking and dancing at a stripper pole at his house.

Defense attorney Erv McLain says the story has been so sensationalized that Russo can’t get a fair trial locally.

Russo is currently in prison after being convicted of stalking an ex-girlfriend.