Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott says she's informed Mayor Lovely Warren that council is hiring an outside attorney to lead an independent investigation into the death of Daniel Prude.
Scott says Andrew Celli, Jr. of Emery Celli Brinkerhoff Abady Ward and Maazel LLP will lead the review. It will look into the internal processes that occurred after officers first made contact with Prude on March 23rd, and leading up to the public announcement of his death on September 2nd.
Scott says the council is also hiring former City Corporation Counsel Linda Kingsley, currently a law professor in Albany, to provide temporary legal counsel and advice.
The full statement is below.
Statement from Council President Scott Regarding Legal Counsel:
"Today, I informed the Mayor that the City Council intends to engage Andrew G. Celli, Jr., of Emery Celli Brinkerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, to lead an independent review and investigation into the internal processes that occurred after officers first made contact with Daniel Prude on March 23, 2020 and prior to the public announcement of his death on September, 2, 2020. Further details, including legislation to fund this investigation will follow in the coming days. I am pleased that Mayor Warren responded affirming the full support and cooperation of her Administration in this process. In addition to engaging Mr. Celli, the City Council will also be engaging Linda Kingsley, former City of Rochester Corporation Counsel and current Albany Law professor, on a pro-bono basis to provide temporary legal counsel and advice to the Rochester City Council."