Court Appoints Special Counsel in Deaver Case

WASHINGTON — A federal court today named Whitney North Seymour Jr. as independent counsel to decide whether there are grounds to prosecute former White House aide Michael K. Deaver for violation of conflict-of-interest laws.

Seymour, a U.S. attorney in New York City from 1970-73 and currently a partner in the firm of Brown & Seymour in New York, was selected a week after the Justice Department sent its recommendations on the Deaver case to the federal court.

Seymour, a Republican, was a state senator from 1966-68 and also served as chief counsel of the special unit of the New York State Commission of Investigation from 1960-61.

Deaver has steadfastly maintained that he has violated no laws. He has emphatically denied that he has traded on his influence with President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, in his activities as a lobbyist for other nations, including Canada.

Sees Political Motives

During an appearance earlier this month before a House panel in a closed session, Deaver said he is a victim of politically motivated accusations and called for an impartial investigation by an independent counsel.