Kelly Siegler resigns

No surprise.

Kelly Siegler, a longtime prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office who lost her bid for the top job there in April's primary elections, resigned today.

Siegler, 45, who had worked at the office since 1987, submitted her resignation letter to District Attorney Ken Magidson early this afternoon. It takes effect immediately.

Siegler said she is looking forward to working as a special prosecutor, trying a capital murder case in Wharton County this summer.

Siegler will work alongside Wharton County District Attorney Josh McCown as they prosecute an illegal hunter in the shooting death of Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden Justin Hurst, 34, following a car chase and shootout last year.

"This opportunity came up to work on the case in Wharton County, which is basically home to me," said Siegler, a Matagorda County native. "It's what I love doing. It's what I'm good at."

Siegler has no plans beyond that just yet. She said she would love to work as a special prosecutor on other cases. She has also received job offers from civil law firms and other district attorney's offices, she said.

Asked if she could pursue a career as a criminal defense lawyer, Siegler said, "Never say never."

Siegler's resignation came as a surprise, said Scott Durfee, general counsel and spokesman for the district attorney's office.

It's not a surprise to me, anyway - I'd have thought it would be too uncomfortable for her to stay after losing the primary, regardless of what happens in November, and once you realize that, why wait? As for Siegler becoming a defense attorney, I'll let Mark Bennett handle that. I can't say I'm sorry that Kelly Siegler won't be our next DA, but I do respect the work she's done, and I wish her well in whatever she does do next. Good luck to you, Kelly.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on May 09, 2008 to Crime and Punishment