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(NewsDakota.com) – A change of venue in the upcoming murder trial of Leron Lee Howard could prove costly to Stutsman County.

Stutsman County state’s attorney Fritz Fremgen informed the county commission Tuesday that if the August trial is moved to a different location, it would cost the county thousands of dollars in expenses, although the exact amount is still unknown.

Expected expenses would be hotel rooms for several county employees, costs of securing a work space for the attorneys, costs to house Howard at a facility during the trial, and costs for Stutsman County deputies and correctional workers to provide security at the new location.

Fremgen says he will fight to keep the trial in Stutsman County, but says “it’s all about whether you can get a jury that’s impartial.”

Because Janelle Cave was tried in Stutsman County in February in the same case, there is the possibility that Howard’s upcoming trial may be moved because of publicity from that case.

Cave was convicted of manslaughter and criminal conspiracy in in the death of 18-year-old Abdi Ali Ahmed. Howard is charged with murder and criminal conspiracy in Ahmed’s death.

The county would also be responsible for housing witnesses during the trial if needed, but that money would eventually be reimbursed by the state.

Stutsman County sheriff Chad Kaiser says his department racked up about $4,500 in expenses and overtime during Cave’s trial. The department provided security at the courthouse during the entire trial.