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.