Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill will not face charges after a special prosecutor dropped the case. The decision came at the request of New Orleans officials who were purported victims in the case. Murrill had been accused of public intimidation and malfeasance in office after she sent letters to city officials warning them of potential legal consequences.

Background of the Case

The case began in May when Murrill wrote to city officials about a special election for a consolidated court clerk’s position. Republican state lawmakers had passed legislation preventing Calvin Duncan, a formerly incarcerated man who was exonerated and became a lawyer, from taking office after winning the election. Murrill’s letter prompted complaints from New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and her supporters, who claimed the attorney general’s message could be interpreted as a criminal threat.

An Orleans Parish grand jury handed up an indictment against Murrill on July 2, though Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams said they did not initiate the investigation. Special prosecutor Laurie White decided to drop the charges, stating that she performed her responsibilities in accordance with the law and respected the grand jury’s service and actions.

Reaction to the Decision

Murrill said the charges should never have been filed and that she will continue her own investigation into what she claims was illegal misconduct surrounding the case. The decision to drop the charges marks a turning point in a tumultuous and politically charged dispute.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.