Special prosecutor Laurie White has dropped the criminal case against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, ending a prosecution that began with a 16-count felony indictment in Orleans Parish.
White said she dismissed all 16 counts after receiving letters from the alleged victims in the case.
“Based on letters received from alleged victims in the case, as special prosecutor I have nolle prossed all 16 counts,” White said. “Case dismissed.”
White defended how she handled the case and emphasized that a grand jury returned the indictment.
“I performed my responsibilities as an appointed prosecutor in accordance with the law,” White said. “It is important to understand that the grand jury brought this indictment, and that what followed was in accordance with their judgement. I respect the grand jury’s service and actions as we all should and thank them for their service.”
White also criticized what she described as interference in the case.
“Extraordinary interference in this situation has been truly unfortunate, and we should all hope that it doesn’t set a precedent,” White said.
The decision came after several New Orleans leaders asked White to dismiss the case.
The indictment accused Murrill of public intimidation and malfeasance in office. The allegations centered on letters she sent to Orleans Parish officials after a dispute over legislation involving the parish court system.
Murrill denied wrongdoing and questioned how authorities conducted the investigation and secured the indictment.
“This case should have NEVER been started because there was NO crime. This outcome will not deter my efforts to get to the bottom of this,” Murrill said in a statement. “The irresponsible and illegal actions that led to this abuse of the criminal justice system need to never happen again. I’ll have much more to say this afternoon.”
As her legal team challenged the case, Murrill’s attorneys sought communications and other records tied to the grand jury proceedings. A judge approved subpoenas directing White and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams to produce records.
White later asked the court to quash the subpoena requiring her to turn over documents connected to the indictment. Murrill’s attorneys opposed the effort to withhold those records.
Every judge on the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court bench recused themselves from the case. The Louisiana Supreme Court then appointed a retired judge to oversee the proceedings.
The indictment stemmed from a letter Murrill sent after state lawmakers approved legislation involving the Orleans Parish court system.
READ MORE:Special prosecutor drops criminal case against Louisiana Attorney General
