Buncombe DA hires assistant with DWI conviction

ASHEVILLE – Buncombe County's new top prosecutor has hired an assistant district attorney who wrecked his car six years ago while taking prescription drugs.

Rodney Hasty was later convicted of driving while impaired.

District Attorney Todd Williams says Hasty was taking the drugs — carisoprodol and meprobamate — for a medical condition. He describes Hasty as a solid prosecutor with years of experience.

But one major crime victim advocate is already questioning Williams' decision.

Ellen Pitt, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says some crime victims and law enforcement officers "view this decision as an insult."

Hasty resigned following his 2009 arrest. Then-District Attorney Ron Moore said he had been a good prosecutor.

Williams brought Hasty back because he has excelled professionally, and personally, over the last six years, Williams said.

Hasty, a board certified specialist in state and federal criminal law, possibly is the only assistant prosecutor with both certifications, Williams said.

Hasty has tried 23 homicide cases and handled 160 trials in total, Williams said.

Williams has a letter from Hasty's former employer, the law firm of Long, Parker, Warren, Anderson and Payne, attesting to his superior performance at work and personal habits that are "beyond question."

"Our office is going to support victims of DWI," he said. "Fortunately, in Rodney's case, this was — to whatever extent it does mitigate things — it was a prescribed substance. We are not talking about the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs."

Pitt on Monday talked to Williams about the move and says she will be watching his office.

"Mr. Hasty has been given what those killed by impaired drivers do not receive — a second chance," she said. "He now has the opportunity to raise public awareness to the fact that many medicines, both prescribed and over-the-counter, affect you in ways that make driving very dangerous."

On Tuesday, she said she backed his decision to hire Hasty.

"Mr. Williams made a decision that he felt was appropriate and I support that decision," she said.

Hasty, who declined to be interviewed on Monday, said in a written statement he met with Pitt. He said they agreed his situation was a good opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs.

"I can say from personal experience that prescription medications, even when taken exactly as instructed by the doctor, can nonetheless significantly affect one's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle," he said.

He declined to answer other questions, including one on his decision not to plead guilty to the charge.

The drugs had an unforeseen interaction with Hasty's system the night he wrecked his car, Williams said. He said Hasty is no longer taking the drugs and is getting other forms of treatment for a medical condition.

The N.C. Highway Patrol found Hasty's 2006 Saab stopped on the northbound side of U.S. 19-23 near Woodfin about 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2009.

The car had substantial damage, according to a Highway Patrol accident report.

Trooper R.M. Lancaster, in an affidavit, said Hasty had slurred speech, red and glassy eyes and was unsteady on his feet.

Hasty fought the charges in court, hiring two defense attorneys. The case was continued at least twice before a trial in September 2009.

A judge found him guilty of level 5 DWI, the lowest level of the offense, and sentenced him to 60 days in prison. He suspended the sentence for a year, which is common for minor DWI convictions.

Hasty had to complete 24 hours of community service within 30 days. He received a fine of $200 and a community service fee of $225.

Hasty got a limited-privilege driver's license to work at the law firm.

Law firm partner Bob Long donated to the Williams campaign, according to campaign finance reports. Hasty did not contribute, according to the reports.

Several other well-known attorneys also donated.

Williams says Hasty was not involved in his campaign. He defeated Moore in the primary and beat independent candidate Ben Scales in the general election.

He said Hasty had no involvement prior to the May 6 primary. After that, Hasty was not involved "other than to talk to his folks in his firm. He wasn't holding signs or working polls or anything like that," Williams said.

Williams said Monday he believes Hasty bought a ticket to his August fundraiser at Bouchon, a French restaurant.

An announcement about the fundraiser obtained by the Citizen-Times on Tuesday shows Hasty was on the 17-member hosting committee. The committee was made up of well-known Democratic politicians and members of the legal profession.

Williams, Hasty, and other new assistants were sworn in Jan. 1.

Williams earns about $121,000 a year. Hasty makes about $113,000 as a senior-level assistant, Williams said.

Hasty probably won't need to prosecute DWIs, Williams said. He wasn't sure whether he would have to tell the defense about Hasty's past should he handle a DWI.

Hasty's story, Williams contends, is one of redemption.

"This does provide us with an opportunity to show if you do things right in your life, on a day-by-day basis, you can move on," he said. "You can regain your status in the community and your professional status. And that's what Rodney has done."