5/12/2026

HURLEY - Although a jury convicted Montreal resident Charles Maslanka of false imprisonment, battery and disorderly conduct, and acquitted him of a strangulation charge during an April trial in Iron County, his attorney, Joe Rafferty Jr., is now seeking a new trial, alleging juror misconduct during deliberations. Two jurors claim the jury foreman, an Ironwood police officer, told jurors Maslanka had previously served prison time for a similar crime — information the defense says was false and never presented in court. Prosecutors argue the comments were part of normal deliberations and say the split verdict shows jurors carefully considered the evidence. A judge is now expected to decide whether the convictions stand or if a new trial will be ordered.