Special prosecutors describe targeted prosecutions for contraband cases and discovery pressures

Jack Choate of the special prosecution unit told senators the unit has shifted to a targeted prosecution model focused on cases that disrupt organized smuggling and violent conduct inside prisons. He said contraband‑related prosecutions took up an outsized share of the current caseload: about 45% of cases are contraband‑related with roughly 16% drug‑specific cases, mostly synthetic cannabinoids.

Choate described how the office preserved trial settings for high‑value cases, noting additional prosecutor hiring and coordination with OIG and TDCJ. “We recognize that our ultimate goal here here is the security and safety of, of everyone in TDCJ,” he said, adding that discovery demands — especially with expanded use of body cameras and digital evidence — are increasing screening time. He urged coordination on discovery processes and more resources for prosecution and defense counsel to avoid case backlog and delays.