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Special prosecutor coming in assault case
November 05, 2012, 9:00 pm by Adam Troxtell
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A former San Antonio judge appointed to hear a felony assault charge against a former state Republican leader has removed District Attorney Sam Oatman from the case and will appoint a special prosecutor.
Judge Robert Richardson – appointed to the case after 33rdDistrict Judge Guilford Jones recused himself– granted defense attorney Richard Davis’s motion to disqualify Oatman based on past statements the DA made and the "speed in which the defendant was indicted.”
Former state Republican committeeman Johnnie B. Rogers is accused of assaulting a Burnet Bulletin reporter in front of a number of witnesses, including Burnet Police Chief Paul Nelson, at a primary watch party at the Burnet County Republican headquarters.
Oatman was not present at the Monday morning meeting, but was represented by Assistant DA Gary Bunyard.
"Our wish is not to agree with the merit of the motion,” Bunyard said. "We think it is outrageous, but to ensure things go forward, we do not oppose the decision.”
Last Friday, Oatman’s office asked the State Attorney General’s office to take over prosecuting duties, but they declined.
The trial was set to begin Dec. 10, but that could change. Richardson said once a special prosecutor was brought in, all parties would meet to determine whether or not that date is acceptable.For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.
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