Real Name: Gabe Semenza Member Since: September 30, 2007 Last Signed In: November 28, 2008 Profile Views: 999 Blog Views: 11157 What are you thankful for this year? Mexican cartels: What interests you about Laredo, Nuevo Laredo? Should American soldiers be deployed to U.S.-Mexico border? How soon is too soon to celebrate Christmas, decorate? Should newspapers publish public salaries online? Do you know the late Chelsea Margaret Currie? Calling all stay-at-home moms and dads Help us find local examples of questionable zoning realities What can Crossroads residents do to curb drug use, crimes? Hey, small business owners: Share your story with tens of thousands September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 
RSS 2.0    |
|
|
How much will Tyler's stepping aside cost the county?
I talked to District Attorney Steve Tyler on Friday about his decision to request a special prosecutor in the Michael Ratcliff case. And I asked him what a special prosecutor would cost. Tyler said the special prosecutor would not cost the county any money if the appointee is an elected DA who also doesn’t practice privately. This appointee, in that example, falls under state law that allows for this free service. "It could cost a little or it could cost a lot. It’ll probably end up being someone who the judge chooses," Tyler said. Tyler wouldn’t speculate about the range of potential costs because of the great number of variables to consider. There’s no way yet to know exactly how much a special prosecutor will cost, according to the district clerk’s office. Total costs will vary depending on the amount of pretrial work required, as well as work required during the trial. No one knows yet how long that trial will last.
But last year, Ray Hardy Jr., a former Victoria County assistant district attorney, was appointed to try the Ahmad Rasheed trial.
Rasheed was found guilty of shooting and killing Eric Cook, a 19-year-old Victoria teen.
Hardy is an assistant district attorney for the 24th Judicial District – which includes DeWitt, Goliad and Refugio counties.
He was assigned the case because Tyler once defended Rasheed as a private-practice attorney, thus disqualifying him from this case.
The Rasheed trial lasted about a week – including the jury selection portion of it.
A check for $476.18 was paid to Hardy on Aug. 6, 2007, County Auditor Judy McAdams told me Friday. Hardy was paid from the DA’s discretionary fund, she said. Tyler said Hardy's office did Victoria County a favor. "That pay to Hardy was largely for travel and meals. His office absorbed his fees. They were doing us a big favor, and that price reflects that. It certainly doesn’t reflect the quality of work." Do you have any information or examples about the cost incurred when a special prosecutor is appointed?' Gabe Semenza/Advocate journalist As always, please share facts. If you know a rumor, call or e-mail with it and I'll verify it and share it with the group, or let you know the rumor is just that. My e-mail is gsemenza@vicad.com. My phone is 580-6519. 3 comments from 2 users
1
posted by
TomC
on Feb 10, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Well, $20,000 is alot of taxpayer money. Of course, I have no waying of knowing how much the cost would have been if Mr. Tyler had prosecuted the case. I am assuming the $20,000 figure includes all court and trial costs...those would be the same (or close) whoever would be prosecuting, I would imagine. You would have to separate out whatever "extra" costs there are specifically because of having a special prosecutor...lodging, meals, travel, stuff like. And, of course, those expenses will depend upon things like where the prosecutor comes from, how long it is before Mr. Ratcliff goes to trial (assuming there is no plea bargain) and how long the trial lasts. So, it's difficult answer your question as to how much is too much. I do think the special prosecutor is warranted, though. Unfortunately for Mr. Tyler, he is still going to be blamed, somehow, whatever the outcome is even though he has removed himself. The level of personal attacks against him (going so far as to question/ridicule his military career) in the forums can be quite frightening at times.
posted by
GabeSemenza
on Feb 10, 2008 at 01:40 PM
No problem, TomC. I'm curious: If the bill for a special prosecutor is hefty (say $20,000), do you think a special prosecutor is warranted? How much is too much? posted by
TomC
on Feb 9, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Thank you, Gabe, for checking into this. I know I raised the question...maybe others did as well, I'm not sure....as to how much this would cost the county. I guess we will just have to wait and see what the answer is. If we can find someone close by...as in the Rasheed trial...maybe we will luck out again. Let's hope so.
1
|