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"I represent a former TCU student by the name of Austin Carpenter. It has come to my attention that he may be a suspect in the ongoing drug scandal investigation at TCU. As you know, the authorities investigating this scandal ...
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10:38 AM on Fri., Feb. 17, 2012 | PermalinkToday we tried to get answers to how Fort Worth police misidentified one of the targets in this week's high-profile TCU drug busts.
This morning, Houston attorney Joe David Wells, who represents the actual alleged target, issued a statement, in essence challenging the police to move forward on his client.
"I represent a former TCU student by the name of Austin Carpenter. It has come to my attention that he may be a suspect in the ongoing drug scandal investigation at TCU. As you know, the authorities investigating this scandal had an arrest warrant issued for another Austin Carpenter who has since been exonerated.
"In the event that the authorities in Tarrant County decide to pursue charges against my client, I look forward to a vigorous cross examination of the officer who swore under oath that he dealt with a different Austin Carpenter than my client.
"The inclusion of a photograph with the warrant is highly problematic for the authorities. Texas law does not require the inclusion of a photograph for the issuance of an arrest warrant. The only reason for including a photograph in the warrant is for publicity.
"Clearly, the investigating authorities are more interested in headlines than justice. Their failed attempt at a photographic perp walk could result in acquittals of all of the students charged in this scandal."
The investigator who misidentified Austin Carpenter was, in some way, involved in all 19 suspects' cases, warrant documents show. It'll be interesting to see how his involvement impacts whether the Tarrant County district attorney's office moves forward on the cases.
Melody McDonald, spokeswoman for the Tarrant County DA's office, said on Friday that "we are still waiting for police to submit the cases to our office. Therefore, no one has been formally charged as of yet."
Regarding whether prosecutors would accept the case against Carpenter given the misidentification. "If we accept it, then a charge will be filed."
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