BAY MINETTE, Alabama - Former Baldwin County District Attorney David Whetstone has been in contact today with county officials prior to a briefing going on now with Commissioners concerning damage control involving listening bugs placed in county courthouses and possibly in elected officials’ offices.

Whetstone is a retained attorney by Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack. Mack is in charge of courthouse security and requested the Commission’s conduitive acceptance of a federal grant to upgrade audio and video components and is in charge of implementation and serviceability.

Whetstone also has taken over prosecutorial duties in the murder of Angel Downs, and has reason to request review of audio recordings made in public courthouse areas which may have bearings on the case.

The Commission has deferred all questions concerning the “bugs” to the county’s legal staff. However, Commissioners said earlier today they will be available for comment after the meeting and instructions from counsel.

The Baldwin County Commission  ordered an immediate disabling of audio capabilities for survellience cameras installed in June in stairwells and halls of courthouses in Bay Minette, Foley and Fairhope which may have compromised attorney-client privileges and may have severe legal and financial repercussions.