By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Special prosecutor appointed after arrest of Nanaimo city manager

Feb 7, 2018 | 12:35 PM

NANAIMO — In what is becoming a familiar refrain, a special prosecutor was appointed related to an investigation involving Nanaimo City Hall.

Vancouver lawyer Michael Klein will assist investigators after Nanaimo’s chief administrative officer Tracy Samra was arrested for allegedly uttering threats at City Hall last week. Klein was appointed Friday, Feb. 2, the BC Prosecution Service announced Wednesday.

The appointment of a special prosecutor is designed to avoid any potential for real or perceived influence on the investigation “In light of the nature of the allegations and the identity of some of the complainants as elected municipal officials.”

Klein will “Provide legal advice to the RCMP investigators as may be necessary, conduct any related charge assessment and assume conduct of the prosecution if charges were approved,” the Prosecution Service’s statement said.

This is the second time a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate matters involving Nanaimo City Hall or Council. In December 2016, a prosecutor was appointed to assist in an investigation related to complaints filed by the City against the mayor, complaints filed by the mayor and the arrest of a councillor. No charges were laid as a result of those investigations.

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Nanaimo mayor Bill McKay said earlier this week he was notified by RCMP last Wednesday threats were allegedly made against his life during an incident at City Hall. While it’s believed several other people were also allegedly threatened, McKay only confirmed comments towards himself and coun. Diane Brennan.

RCMP have not confirmed the identity of the person arrested, only saying it was a woman.

Samra has not been charged and was released from custody on a promise to appear in court.

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