The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed St. Tammany and Washington Parish District Attorney Collin Sims to examine the decision to seek an indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill. An Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill in early July on malfeasance and public intimidation charges, but the charges were later dismissed. New Orleans Metro Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says the investigation is unusual.
“And if there is an investigation in a particular parish that requires the assistance of a prosecutor, the local DA will do it; but he’s conflicted from this issue,” Goyeneche noted.
Sims will determine whether the process used to pursue the indictment was proper and whether any criminal or ethical violations occurred. Goyeneche says State Police is already investigating, and having a prosecutor involved could help determine whether the grand jury was used appropriately.
“The special prosecutor is going to provide some guidance to the investigators as to what could potentially be state violations,” Goyeneche explained.
Murrill has accused the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office of using the grand jury as political retaliation for her efforts to address corruption in New Orleans. Goyeneche says one of Sims’ responsibilities will be seeking access to grand jury records.
“To determine if there’s any evidence that may be relevant to this criminal investigation; it’s going to require an attorney to do that,” Goyeneche said.
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