DALLAS (AP) - An East Texas newspaper is acknowledging that a reporter covering a trial of a child sex club dated the prosecutor until five months ago.

And, the defense team is using the allegation to seek a change of venue for the trial.

A Tyler television news station whose reporter is also accused of having a personal relationship with Smith County Assistant District Attorney Joe Murphy is calling the allegation "pure slander."

A judge has issued a gag order leading up to the next trial surrounding an East Texas swinger's club accused of forcing children into sex shows.

State District Judge Jack Skeen Jr. in Tyler made his ruling today after lawyers for Patrick Kelly subpoenaed two local reporters who've covered the so-called "Mineola Swinger's Club."

Attorney Thad Davidson is fighting to move the trial outside of Smith County.