Special prosecutor appointed in case of alleged threats at Nanaimo city hall

The deputy attorney general for B.C. has appointed a special prosecutor in connection with an incident last week involving allegations of threats utteredat Nanaimo city hall.

Vancouver lawyer Michael Klein was appointed Feb. 2, shortlyafter one person was arrested as a result of the incident, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the B.C. Prosecution Service.

"The appointment of a Special Prosecutor is intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice in light of the nature of the allegations and the identity of some of the complainants as elected municipal officials," the statement said.

Klein'smandate is to provide legal advice toRCMPinvestigators as needed, carry out any assessment of potential charges to be laid and assume conduct of the prosecution if charges are approved.

Earlier this week Nanaimo city hall issued a news release stating that a personhad been arrested in an incident in which police were called to the building.

Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKaysaid Tuesday the incidentinvolved threats uttered against several people who work at city hall, including himself.