A special prosecutor has been appointed to look into a misdemeanor assault charge filed against a man running for Jefferson County Clerk.
Last month, a 21-year-old Lamar University student filed a complaint against Bailey Wingate claiming she was assaulted by the candidate at his home.
Beaumont attorney Tom Kelly has been appointed as "District Attorney Pro Tem" in the case and will now be charged with reviewing evidence and consulting with law enforcement to determine if Wingate should be prosecuted on the charge.
Kelly told 12News in a statement that "only after a thorough and complete investigation is conducted will a determination be made as to whether the prosecution should continue."
Wingate's attorney Dustin Galmore told 12News that Wingate had passed a polygraph test in the matter.
"Bailey Wingate is absolutely innocent and this false allegation jeopardizes his dream to serve his community as county clerk of Jefferson County," Wingate's attorney, Dustin Galmore, said in a statement sent to 12News.
Wingate is running against incumbent Carolyn Guidry in the November election.
