Brent Perry, an attorney who managed former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s (R-TX) legal defense fund, told TPM Thursday there is still money left over to help with Delay’s legal expenses as prosecutors continue to pursue the case.
A Texas Court of Appeals overturned his 2010 conviction for money laundering of funds of $100,000 or more and conspiracy to commit money laundering of funds of $100,000 or more Thursday, but the Travis County District Attorney has said it will ask for a review of the ruling.
“We still have funds necessary if needed, if the state appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeals,” Perry said.
Donations for the Legal Defense Fund were solicited on DeLay’s website. TPM asked Perry whether leftover money from the fund would potentially be returned to donors or given to charity when the case is concluded. Perry said he’s not sure what will become of any leftover funds.
“I don’t know the answer to that at this point,” he said.
Though he declined to discuss the ruling in detail and said he can “only comment on issues relating to the fund,” Perry said he was “happy” the court of appeals rendered an acquittal.
“I got a large Dr. Pepper and a large fry with lunch today to celebrate,” said Perry.
