The special prosecutor appointed to assist an RCMP probe into the B.C. government’s deleted email scandal has removed himself from the case.
Greg DelBigio was supposed to help Mounties investigate whether former BC Liberal staffer George Gretes, who was accused of scrubbing emails regarding the notorious Highway of Tears, lied under oath.
But just hours after his appointment on Thursday, the Criminal Justice Branch announced DelBigio has withdrawn from the probe over conflict of interest concerns.
The CJB said DelBigio removed himself after questions were raised about his current role as defence counsel in another case involving allegations against another former Liberal employee.
"Neither Mr. DelBigio, nor the Criminal Justice Branch, considers this situation as one that gives rise to any real or apparent conflict of interest," Crown spokesman Neil MacKenzie said in a statement.
"However, out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of the importance of safeguarding the perceived and actual integrity of the investigation and prosecution process, Mr. DelBigio has decided to withdraw from his appointment."
The Assistant Deputy Attorney General, who appointed DelBigio, will be working to find a replacement, MacKenzie added.
Allegations that Gretes lied under oath were raised in a damning report by B.C. Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham, which examined claims by a government whistleblower that he deleted emails after receiving a freedom-of-information request to release them.
Gretes, who was working as a ministerial assistant with the Ministry of Transportation at the time, was suspended with pay last May after the allegations first came to light, and resigned the day after Denham’s report was released months later.
He hasn't been charged and none of the allegations against him have been proven.
With files from The Canadian Press
