CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (AP) — The attorney for a former motivational speaker says he'll appeal his client's conviction on two counts of attempted murder and other charges.

Minneapolis attorney Barry Voss said certain evidence shouldn't have been introduced at the trial of Russell Simon Jr. in Isanti County District Court.
The 45-year-old Cambridge man was convicted Wednesday on the attempted murder counts and a firearm violation. He had used his tough-guy approach to tell kids to stay off drugs and out of trouble.

The charges stemmed from an incident on May 15 in which a drunken Simon reportedly fired shots at his girlfriend and a friend he met in prison. Neither of them were hit.

He was acquitted of four other charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder and criminal sexual conduct.

Voss said Simon didn't fire any shots during the incident and a drug sample — which tested positive for methamphetamine — was improperly obtained.

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