Commissioners fund Perry prosecution

Travis County Commissioners approved $200,000 Tuesday in funds to continue the prosecution of former Gov. Rick Perry, who faces charges of abuse of power and coercion of a public servant. The funding will allow a special prosecutor to continue the case through at least March while it is being heard on appeal. Perry was indicted last year on charges related to a threatened veto of funding for the Public Integrity Unit in the Travis County District Attorney’s office unless DA Rosemary Lehmberg resigned following an arrest for drunken driving. When she refused, Perry made good on his threat. Travis County stepped in shortly thereafter and approved funding to keep most of the Public Integrity Unit operating. Former Senior District Judge Bert Richardson was appointed to hear the Perry case. He named Michael McCrum as special prosecutor. The funding comes from county reserves.