Prominent criminal attorney acting as co-counsel for Aaron Hernandez

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A spokesperson for Ropes & Gray has confirmed that well-known criminal attorney Jamie Sultan, of Rankin & Sultan, is acting as co-counsel for New England Patriots' TE Aaron Hernandez.

Sultan visited Hernandez's North Attleboro home Tuesday afternoon. Attorney Michael K. Fee, of Ropes & Gray LLP, has represented Hernandez since investigators began probing the death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, of Dorchester, early last week. Lloyd's body was found in an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez's home.

Sultan's biography says he "has more than 30 years of experience fighting for clients facing serious criminal charges in both state and federal courts."

Sultan is most widely known for representing Violet, Cheryl, and Gerald Amirault. Violet and her daughter, Cheryl, were charged alongside her son, Gerald, for allegations that he abused children at a day care center where they all worked in 1984. Violet and Cheryl were released after serving eight years in prison. Gerald was released on parole in 2004.

Tim Larimer, Director of Public Relations for Ropes & Gray, confirmed via e-mail that Fee is working alongside Rankin & Sultan to represent Hernandez.

"Rankin & Sultan have been Michael Fee's co-counsel from the outset of this matter," said Larimer.

A court memo issued Tuesday suggests it may be some time before any questions about Hernandez's involvement in the investigation are answered.

The memo, written by Clerk Magistrate Mark E. Sturdy, says that all records from Attleboro District Court related to the Lloyd's homicide have been impounded by a court order.

Lloyd's family has said Lloyd and Hernandez were friends. They said Lloyd dated the sister of Hernandez's girlfriend.

A source told FOX 25's Bob Ward that surveillance video showed Hernandez walking into his home with two others around 3:30 a.m. on June 17. Neighbors told police they heard what sounded like gunshots shortly before they arrived to the home. The shots were not immediately reported and FOX 25 has been unable to find any neighbor who will admit to hearing them.

Another source tells FOX 25 Hernandez was seen with Lloyd within 24 hours of his body being discovered. At some point in the days before Lloyd's death, police believe he was in a vehicle driven by Hernandez.

Law enforcement officials searched Hernandez's home twice since Lloyd's body was discovered. On Saturday, detectives could be seen leaving the 23-year-old's home with several large brown bags. Mass. State Police also continued to search a creek off Homeward Lane Monday.

Officials have released few details surrounding the case. The Bristol County District Attorney's office told the Boston Globe they are "trying to protect the integrity" of the probe and that they will speak once they are allowed to share information.

Attorney Fee released a statement Monday blaming the media for "rumors, misinformation and false reports" about their client saying that no arrest warrant had been issued in the case.

The statement said the media has falsely reported that an arrest warrant has been issued for Hernandez.

"None of these false reports come from officials sources," said Fee.

The statement went on to say that the firm would not comment further on the investigation.

Last Friday, a source told FOX 25's Bob Ward that a paper warrant had been issued for Hernandez on an obstruction of justice charge in connection with the homicide of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, of Dorchester. Lloyd's body was found less than a mile away from Hernandez's North Attleboro home. The warrant had not been executed as of Tuesday afternoon.

Cox Media Group