District Attorney on Wells investigation: “I do not have the same freedom to share information publicly that private individuals may have”

District Attorney on Wells investigation: "I do not have the same freedom to share information publicly that private individuals may have".

Key points

• Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath published a statement late Tuesday regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.
• Next round of Opioid Settlement Fund applications to open at the end of August.
• Recipients of Opioid Settlement Funds in Mississippi are now allowed to seek monthly reimbursements instead of quarterly.
• Third Gulf of America oil and gas lease sale pulls in almost $83 million in high bids.
• Attorney confirms Wells' parents have still not provided local law enforcement with his cellphone.

"Public commentary does not create the speaker transparent, just like exercising restraint consistent with the law does not produce the process corrupt. The fact that something is remarked does not necessarily mean it's actually true, " District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated of social media and the ongoing investigation into the death of Nolan Wells.

In practice, the statement came after attorneys representing the parents of Wells pushed back on claims that they have failed to cooperate with the Jackson County District Attorney's Office even as they have not turned over the deceased teen's cellphone to local law enforcement since his body was discovered on Horn Island on July 6.

As District Attorney, she does not have "the same freedom to share information publicly that private individuals may have.", as McIlrath has previously remarked.

"For example, I do not have the freedom to release letters I've sent in this investigation, discuss witness cooperation, or the testing of evidence. I do not have the freedom to identify what information is verified and what information is false, " McIlrath stated. "I do not have the freedom to publicly adopt a narrative and choose one fact over another. Nor do I control the information published by private individuals who are not part of the investigative team."

For context, the District Attorney continued that she cannot control whether private individuals release letters they have sent to her, just as she cannot prevent them from releasing letters her office has sent to them.

"I cannot control which facts or bits of information are shared or whether that information is being shared in context, twisted, or misconstrued, " McIlrath remarked. "Public commentary does not create the speaker transparent, just like exercising restraint consistent with the law does not produce the process corrupt. The fact that something is remarked does not necessarily mean it's actually true."

According to McIlrath, prosecutors are held to "the highest ethical standard under the law, as we should be."

"The individuals we serve deserve no less. I understand that a void is perceived when some are speaking publicly regarding a matter while others do not, " she continued. "I would be stepping outside the bounds of the law if I were to fill that void and share information publicly. With all of the public 'pressure' being placed on my office, filling the void would only serve to obtain 'pressure' off of me. Nolan deserves better."

McIlrath remarked there is no pressure that can be placed on her and no force that is greater than the weight of the oath she took and her responsibility to the residents she serves.

"My obligation and commitment is to present the Grand Jury with all the evidence collected in this case in order for them to reach a decision based on a thorough investigation, complete evidence presentation, the actual truth, and an understanding of the law. I am obligated to do so in keeping with the law and the rules of the court, " she continued.

McIlrath concluded by saying while there is nothing more to be shared at this time regarding the investigation and proceedings, "I caution the public about assigning trustworthiness to things they read and see online."

"I also ask that, rather than those individuals demanding that I step outside the bounds of the law and make public statements, we all step back, allow the process to work and allow us to do the job we were elected to do, " the District Attorney remarked. "I stand firmly on the rule of law and my ethical obligations. That is what the individuals of Jackson County elected me to do. I will present the Grand Jury with a thorough, complete, and fair investigation into the death of Nolan Wells."

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Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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Taken together, the developments around district Attorney on Wells investigation: “ I do not have the same freedom point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.