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Board hears warning about steep defense costs after White Pine prison-riot murder filings
Summary
A public commenter told the DIDS board that about 20 murder cases were filed in White Pine County related to a July prison riot—three capital and 16 category A cases—raising concerns about litigation costs and strain on appointed-counsel resources.
A public commenter told the Department of Indigent Defense Services board on Feb. 6 that White Pine County has filed about 20 murder cases tied to a July prison riot and warned the defense costs and resource demands will be significant.
David Schieck said roughly 20 murder cases were filed in White Pine County arising from the prison riot; three are expected to be capital cases and the remaining 16 will require category A qualified attorneys. "The cost of litigating those cases in White Pine County are going to be tremendous," Schieck said.
Executive Director Peter Handy responded that DIDS has appointed counsel for almost all the defendants so far but acknowledged there may be two or three category A cases for which qualified counsel remain to be found. He said the department has alerted the Governor’s Finance Office and Administrative Services Division about the expected costs and is exploring statutory contingency funds and account 518 within the PD office as possible payment sources. "There is going to be a need for a lot of support services, investigation, and mitigation specialists," Handy said.
Board members asked practical questions about trial venues and resource needs. Chris Giunchigliani asked whether trials must occur in White Pine County or whether a change of venue could be sought to ease logistical burdens; Handy replied that trials are typically held in the county where the offense occurred. Board member Dayvid Figler suggested forming a subcommittee or producing a white paper to explore collective representation, housing for attorneys, and other proposals to mitigate economic impact while ensuring adequate defense counsel.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting on this item; Handy said staff will monitor the situation and bring concerns to the board if a special meeting is needed before June. The exchange flagged potential budgetary pressure on state contingency funds and a need for staffing and support services to handle complex, capital-level prosecutions emerging from the prison riot cases.
The board adjourned at 1:59 p.m. after closing public comment.
