Warren County Judge Neil Bronson is blocking defense lawyers from cross-examining the lead detective in the Ryan Widmer murder case about alleged false statements in his personnel file.

In a decision released Friday, Bronson said, that although “designated as the state’s witness, it can hardly be said his testimony is the linchpin of the prosecution. The cross examination of Det. (Jeff) Braley regarding the application will not be allowed.”

The judge said he is concerned that any cross-examination of Braley on what’s in his personnel file raised the “danger of confusing the issues or of misleading the jury.”