HOUSTON
Defense attorneys for the former president of Texas Southern
University want her trial on charges of misusing university funds moved, saying
heavy media coverage will prevent finding a fair jury.
Priscilla Slade faces two counts of misapplication of
fiduciary property over $200,000. Prosecutors allege Slade spent $87,000 on
furniture, $138,000 on landscaping and $61,000 on a security system for her
home.
Jury selection in Slade’s trial is scheduled to begin Aug.
10.
Motions filed by her attorneys this month say print and
television coverage “created a climate within this community where (Slade)
can no longer obtain an unbiased jury of her peers.” They’ve suggested
moving the trial to Travis County.
But prosecutors say they can find 12 unbiased people in Harris
County to hear the case.
A hearing on the change of venue request could be held later
this month.
