Stanford Prosecutor Arrested for Assault

When R. Allen Stanford, the Texas financier accused of running a $8 billion Ponzi scheme, finally broke his silence and spoke to reporters on Monday, he teared up when discussing his legal troubles: "You have no idea what this is like for me."

Well um, one of the SEC lawyers prosecuting his case may feel at least some of Stanford's pain.

J. Keith Edmundson, assistant regional director at the SEC's Ft. Worth office was arrested on Saturday for public intoxication and assaulting a police officer. In his mug shot (right), he looks about as happy as Stanford did facing the media in his lawyer's office in Houston two days later.

Sgt. Pedro Criado of Ft. Worth Police Department said Edmundson ignored a police officer who was directing traffic at an arts festival in the city's downtown area Saturday night. He crossed the street despite her repeated orders to wait. She chased after him and grabbed him by the wrist and smelled alcohol on his breath. A scuffle ensued.

Other officers rushed over and Criado says Edmundson had to be "pushed against a wall to be subdued and handcuffed." He was taken to jail. His friend, fellow Ft. Worth lawyer Richard Roper dragged himself out of bed to get Edmundson released on his own recognizance. "He basically promised to appear at any future proceedings," said Roper.

Ft. Worth attorney Tim Moore has taken over the case. Neither he nor Edmundson returned calls seeking comment but SEC spokesman, John Nester said, "We are aware of the incident and it is under review. We take such matters seriously and are prepared to take any appropriate action."

by Kate Murphy

Photo courtesy of Ft. Worth Police Department