The order, sought by Sen. Dan Sutton's lawyers and signed by state Circuit Judge David Gienapp, said the Senate must stop disciplinary proceedings against the Democrat until a court hearing Jan. 19 in Sutton's hometown of Flandreau.

At that time, lawyers will present arguments on whether the Senate has the legal authority to investigate or discipline Sutton.

Sutton is accused of fondling a male high school student during last year's session. Sutton has not talked publicly about the allegations, but his lawyers have said he did nothing wrong.

Details here from the AP via the New York Times.