Special prosecutor appointed in Silsbee cheerleader case

KFDM News has learned a special prosecutor has been appointed to assist a Hardin County grand jury when it re-investigates a case involving a Silsbee High School cheerleader who says she was sexually assaulted by three football players.

Judge Britt Plunk's office tells KFDM News the judge appointed attorney David Barlow special prosecutor Monday.  Barlow is an attorney who has spent many years in private practice in Beaumont and a former assistant district attorney in Hardin County and Jefferson County. 

Another grand jury heard the case in January and didn't return any indictments.

District Attorney David Sheffield says the grand jury reported to Judge Britt Plunk its desire to re-investigate the case and call witnesses.  Sheffield isn't handling the case because he's one of the defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by the cheerleader and her family.

Three football players at the school were accused of sexually assaulting a cheerleader last October during a house party in Silsbee.

The girl says she was pushed into a room and the door was locked while she was sexually assaulted.

The three students were arrested and charged.  Sheffield presented the case to a grand jury in January. The grand jury chose not to indict the teens.

They returned to Silsbee High School where the cheerleader continues to attend classes.

If the new grand jury returns indictments Barlow would prosecute the case.

When contacted Monday afternoon, Barlow told KFDM News it would be improper for him to comment on a grand jury investigation. 

No date has been set for the grand jury to investigate the case. 

Stay with KFDM News for the latest on the story.