A gag order on behalf of a Lower Macungie Township couple is being sought by their legal team.

In a news release dated March 28, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announced details about a defense motion for a potential gag order in the cases involving Joshua Dechant and his wife, Tracy Dechant, who are “charged with conspiracy to commit murder of the third degree and related charges of two 15-year-old boys in their care.”

The news release offered the following details:

On March 27, a hearing was held to address bail modification and a defense request seeking a gag order on behalf of Joshua and Tracy Dechant.

“Joshua Dechant, 36, and Tracy Dechant, 42, are charged with two counts each of alleged conspiracy to commit murder of the third degree and aggravated assault; both felonies of the first degree; one count each of intimidating witnesses or victims — refrain from report, intimidating witnesses or victims — false or misleading testimony, both felonies of the first degree; and two counts each of unlawful restraint of a minor by a parent and false imprisonment of a minor by a parent, both felonies of the second degree; and misdemeanor charges of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person,” according to the news release.

Joshua and Tracy Dechant were charged earlier with two felony counts each of allegedly endangering the welfare of children.

The hearing was held before Judge James T. Anthony.

Anthony said he would take the gag order motion under advisement and issue his decision at a later date.

Legal counsel for the couple said at the hearing they agreed that the District Attorney’s Office “has not violated the ethical rules of professional conduct in regard to statements, news releases and news conferences about the investigation,” according to the news release.

At the hearing, the defendants’ attorneys said the gag order was sought because “they had concerns about the physical safety of the defendants arising out of the public reaction to the allegations contained in the criminal complaints,” according to the news release.

“Additionally, they indicated that they were also concerned for the safety of the two victim children as well as the other offspring of the defendants,” the news release continued.

The Lehigh County District Attorney first charged the couple with two felony counts each of allegedly endangering the welfare of children Jan. 26 after state police were called when a teenage boy went to a neighbor’s home seeking help after he was locked outdoors in below freezing temperatures without proper clothing or shoes. The teen told authorities of his twin brother.

On Feb. 21, the district attorney announced additional charges against the couple including felony charges of alleged conspiracy to commit murder of the third degree and aggravated assault.