HOUSTON
The defense attorney for Texas Southern University’s former president asked for a mistrial Friday after accusing a prosecutor of making inappropriate remarks about the case to reporters.
Priscilla Slade is accused of misspending more than half a million dollars in TSU funds to lavishly decorate her homes.
Mike DeGeurin, Slade’s attorney, told state District Judge Brock Thomas he should grant a mistrial because prosecutor Donna Goode told reporters that before the trial began Slade was offered a 25-year sentence if she pleaded guilty.
Goode told Thomas she made the remark during a break in the trial on Thursday and thought the comment was off the record.
DeGeurin denied that any plea offer had been offered to his client.
Slade, 55, is on trial for one of two counts of misapplication of fiduciary property with a value over $200,000. She was indicted last year. If convicted, she could face up to life in prison.
