The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the circumstances surrounding a grand jury investigation that led to a now-dismissed criminal indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

The court appointed Collin Sims, district attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes, to handle the investigation. Sims will have the authority to investigate and prosecute any potential criminal wrongdoing connected to the matter, according to the court order.

The appointment does not revive the criminal case against Murrill, as all 16 counts against her were dismissed in July. Instead, the investigation centers on how and why the Orleans Parish grand jury came to investigate and indict Murrill.

Murrill has repeatedly sought answers about the grand jury investigation. Her attorneys have filed lawsuits against retired Criminal Court Judge Laurie White, who served as a special prosecutor in the criminal case, and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, seeking records and communications related to the investigation.

An Orleans Parish grand jury indicted Murrill on July 2 on 16 counts of public intimidation and malfeasance in office. The charges stemmed from letters Murrill sent in May to New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, Williams and five City Council members during a dispute over changes to the Orleans Parish court clerk's office.

Murrill and her attorneys have questioned how the grand jury investigation began and sought records that could shed light on who was involved and how the investigation was conducted. Moreno, Williams and five City Council members were recently subpoenaed to testify and turn over records related to the grand jury investigation.

Under the Supreme Court's new order, Sims can review records and evidence connected to the matter. He can also request a special grand jury in Orleans Parish and use its subpoena power if necessary.

The court said it also intends to appoint retired Judge Robert A. Chaisson as a special judge to handle court proceedings connected to the investigation.

The order says Sims should consider whether any conduct he uncovers could violate the Code of Judicial Conduct or the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys and, if appropriate, report it to the relevant authorities.

The Supreme Court's order does not state that anyone has committed a crime or that criminal wrongdoing has been established.

The proceedings and appointment order are under seal and must remain confidential unless the Supreme Court later orders otherwise.