The high-profile nature of the OWI scandal in the 15th Judicial District Attorney's Office may result in a venue change for the upcoming trial of Robert Williamson.
PI Robert Williamson
The high-profile nature of the OWI scandal in the 15th Judicial District Attorney's Office may result in a venue change for the upcoming trial of Robert Williamson.
Williamson is a private investigator and the alleged mastermind behind the scandal, which involved bribing workers in the DA's office, including a former assistant DA and DA Mike Harson's longtime administrative assistant, in a pay-for-plea scheme involving OWI cases.
His federal trial was originally set for Oct. 20, but according to this report from KATC TV3, that's now in question.
KATC reports that federal Judge Elizabeth Foote held a recent telephone conference with Williamson's attorney Thomas Damico and federal prosecutors Luke Walker and Robert Abendroth to discuss the possibility of a venue change.
Foote, who referenced letters of concern from DA Mike Harson and Lafayette attorney Glenn Armentor, says she's worried about the attention surrounding the case and its potential for influencing the partiality of a jury.
One idea floated during the telephone conference would exclude potential jurors from the three parishes covered by the 15th Judicial District, and instead pull jurors from Evangeline, Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary and St. Landry parishes.
Another concern raised by Foote is the potential influence Williamson's trial could have on the Nov. 4 election between Harson and former Assistant District Attorney Keith Stutes.
A telephone conference is scheduled Thursday to further discuss the potential venue change.