CARSON CITY (KRNV & MyNews4.com) - The Assembly Select Committee investigating whether Assemblyman Steven Brooks is fit to served has named its special counsel.
Assembly Majority Leader William Horne says Las Vegas attorney, Mark Ferrario, will lead the committee's investigation.
"He’s a skilled lawyer," Horne said.
Initially, the committee had trouble securing legal counsel given this type of hearing is unprecedented in Nevada. The committee could have the power to recommend Brooks' expulsion.
Brooks has been arrested twice in the past two months -- once on allegations he threatened Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick and then on a separate case of domestic battery.
Brooks was also was detained for a psychiatric evaluation in January after police say he threatened a family member with a sword. Brooks is on a mandatory leave of asbence and is banned from all capitol buildings.
Horne says that ban would be waived once the select committee meets. Assemblyman Brooks still has rights and has not been convicted of a crime, so Horne says he'd be given the chance to attend the hearings and defend himself.
Horne says the committee will likely meet next week and expects to reach a decision within a few weeks.
