Perry prosecutors fight Paxton open records decision
A Houston lawyer, for reasons unknown, is trying to get the detailed billing records submitted by special prosecutors pursuing felony charges against former Gov. Rick Perry, opening another front in the tangled legal saga.
While the likely presidential candidate waits to hear if an appeals court will throw out the charges against him, special prosecutors Michael McCrum and David Gonzalez are now suing state Attorney General Ken Paxton on the side. They are fighting an open records ruling that might force them to disclose details of their investigation, including whom they have interviewed while building their case against Perry.
This new sidebar in the Perry case began Dec. 17 when Houston lawyer Trevor Sharon filed a public records request with Travis County court officials asking, among other things, for copies of all invoices prosecutors have submitted in the case. (Because of various conflicts, McCrum was brought in as special prosecutor, and bills the county for his work.)
Why does Sharon want the records? Repeated calls and emails sent to Sharon received no responses. He is listed as an associate with Paul Doyle & Associates in Houston.
On March 12, Paxtons office ruled that the invoices are public records and must be released.
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional/perry-prosecutors-fight-paxton-open-records-decisi/nkm8n/