D.A. releases statement concerning City Councilman
In a July 1 press statement District Attorney Paul B. Smith explained “on or about June 15, 2020, the Hughes Co. Office of District Attorney received the above investigative report from the Sheriff’s Office. The case was reviewed for prosecution sufficiency and ADA Jim Tillison briefed the District Attorney on the case report and the various relationships of individuals involved with members of the D.A.’s staff. After contemplation and in reviewing the matter with the Attorney General’s Office concerning cases involving relational conflicts of interests, it was decided that the Hughes Co. D.A.’s office would be recused from handling the matter and a prosecutor assigned that did not know or have existing relationships with any party involved. Assistant D.A. Daniel McClure who lives outside of the District was assigned the case to exercise his independent prosecutorial discretion to make charging decisions.
After working on the case for a few days, reviewing the criteria for a Deferred Prosecution Agreement under 22 O.S. 305.1, consulting with the victim of the case, speaking to treatment providers in the subject area of need, the non-violent nature of the facts, the absence of any criminal history for the accused, the services available in the community for rehabilitation, the victim’s desire to be left alone from further court involvement and her desire that the accused receive treatment services, and the other criteria of statute, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement was entered into yesterday (June 30) by the accused and the Office of D.A. under Mr. McClure’s discretion as the assigned prosecutor.”
When reached for comment Councilman Robinson had this to say:
“I was recently approached by the District Attorney’s office investigating an accusation against me of wrongdoing. While my initial reaction was to challenge and fight the accusation, I realized that doing so would put a drain on my family’s resources, as well as potentially expose to embarrassment people with whom I had always enjoyed a positive relationship. After reaching an agreement with the DA resulting in no charges being filed, I put the event behind me. It was only after malicious, libelous, and slanderous statements arose on social media, and after consulting with my attorney, family and others, that it became an issue to be addressed. It is still important to me to avoid harm to any of those involved, so I will address the issue with people individually and privately. Any citizen who has questions, I am happy to answer them to the best of my ability. You may email me at danecitycouncil@gmail.com. I look forward to continuing to work hard for the citizens of my ward, and the City as a whole.”
