Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-prosecutors-face-staffing-shortages-amid-declining-crime-rates/article_7e6f2d7a-59e3-11ef-be70-fb8ae323e12c.html

Spokane prosecutors face staffing shortages amid declining crime rates SPOKANE, Wash – According to a recent report from the Spokane Police Department, reported crimes are down in Spokane. However, the County Prosecutor's Office believes things aren't as rosy as

Happy Independence Day!

We are hiring Deputy Prosecutors at all experience levels in both our criminal and civil units. Apply today!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/4275191/attorney-1-open-continuously?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/4451683/attorney-2-civil-division-prosecuting-attorney?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/3938951/attorney-2-criminal-division-prosecuting-attorney?page=1&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/3939884/attorney-3-prosecuting-attorney?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Job Opportunities | Spokane County For California residents, and to the extent NEOGOV sells your personal information as the term “sell” is defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information by us to third parties at any time. This setting only applies to regi...

This month, the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), City of Spokane Police Department (SPD), and Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) are proud to stand with the survivors of sexual assault and their families during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM).

This year’s SAAM campaign theme, Building Connected Communities, calls on each of us to work together to prevent sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. We must strive to build more connected, respectful, and inclusive communities to promote our collective well-being and protect against the risk of sexual assault.

If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted it is important to listen and be non-judgmental. We must proceed with compassion and start by believing. Here are some ways to respond:
● “I believe you”.
● “Thank you for sharing with me”.
● “This was not your fault”.

Sexual violence affects nearly every household in America. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you are not alone. If you need to talk, call LCSNW’s 24-hour sexual assault support line at 509-624-7273. The line is confidential and anonymous. To report to your local law enforcement call Crime Check at
509-456-2233.

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/apr/05/this-crime-is-worthy-of-that-sentence-man-who-shot/

'This crime is worthy of that sentence': Man who shot and wounded Spokane police officer sentenced to 65 years in prison A judge sentenced a 23-year-old man Friday to 65 years behind bars for a “deliberate attack” on law enforcement that left a Spokane police officer wounded.

This month, The Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Spokane Police Department (SPD), and Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) are proud to stand with the survivors of sexual assault and their families during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM).



This year’s SAAM campaign theme, Building Connected Communities, calls on each of us to work together to prevent sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. We must strive to build more connected, respectful, and inclusive communities to promote our collective well-being and protect against the risk of sexual assault.

Statistics show:

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted (RAINN).
Over 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime (Chen, et al., 2023).
Most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew (Chen, et al., 2023).
More than one in four non-Hispanic Black women (29%) in the United States were r***d in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022). One in three Hispanic women (34.8%) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).


If someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted it is important to listen and be non-judgmental. We must proceed with compassion and start by believing. Here are some ways to respond:

“I believe you”.
“Thank you for sharing with me”.
“This was not your fault”.


Every person has the power to create change and can make a difference towards ending sexual violence. SCSO, SPD, the Prosecutor’s Office, and LCSNW stand by survivors. Together, we can build safe and respectful communities.

If you have experienced sexual assault you have rights. A few examples are:

Access to a medical forensic examination at no cost (RCW 70.125.110), this can occur at your local emergency room within five days of a sexual assault.
Receive a copy of the police report related to the investigation without charge (RCW 7.69.030).
Consult with an advocate during any medical evidentiary examination and during any interview by law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, or defense attorneys (RCW 70.125.110).


Sexual violence affects nearly every household in America. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you are not alone. If you need to talk, call LCSNW’s 24-hour sexual assault support line at 509-624-7273. The line is confidential and anonymous. To report to your local law enforcement call Crime Check at

509-456-2233.

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/15/prosecutor-asks-for-65-year-prison-sentence-in-sho/

Prosecutor asks for 65-year prison sentence in shooting case that injured Spokane police officer Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Preston McCollam helped 23-year-old Ray Wynecoop with his neck tie before asking a judge Friday to sentence him to 65 years in prison for a series of drive-by shootings that wounded a Spokane police officer.

March is National Criminal Justice Month. Established in 2009, Congress sought to bring public attention to the need for an effective criminal justice system. During the month of March, in the spirit of Criminal Justice Month we will be sharing information about our office. This video explains a little about what we do for Spokane County.

Spokane County Know Your Government - Prosecutors Office A short video about the work being done by the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office.

In line with our continuing segment acknowledging March as National Criminal Justice Month:

Washington State continues to experience a shortage of prosecutors and public defenders. "A reduction in the total number of law school graduates, an increasingly competitive legal job market, and burnout are contributing to the problem, according to Executive Director of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Russell Brown. . . we need prosecutors as well. There's a lack of attorneys in Washington, and it is causing a lack of an ability to respond efficiently and effectively to these and victims are the ones who lose the most when that happens."

In extreme cases, a delay in bringing a case to trial due either to a lack of prosecutors or public defenders, can result in a dismissal of the case due to the speedy trial rule.

The Impact - Could a Public Defender Shortage Lead to Cases Being Dismissed? - TVW The right to a speedy trial is enshrined in both the United States Constitution and the Washington constitution.  But in some jurisdictions around

We are hiring at all levels of experience! Apply at the link below!

Job Opportunities | Spokane County For California residents, and to the extent NEOGOV sells your personal information as the term “sell” is defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information by us to third parties at any time. This setting only applies to regi...

March is National Criminal Justice Month. Established in 2009, Congress sought to bring public attention to the need for an effective criminal justice system. During the month of March, in the spirit of Criminal Justice Month we will be sharing statistics from our office.

For example, did you know that our office maintains 52 full time deputy prosecuting attorney (DPA) positions for criminal prosecution? That amounts to approximately .06 of a DPA per 1,000 residents in Spokane County. These criminal DPAs fill the following positions:

3 Appellate Attorneys
7 District Court Attorneys (misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors)
1 Mental Health Attorney (competencies)
21 Felony Attorneys

Our criminal prosecutors are organized by units:

District Court
Domestic Violence
Property/Drug/Traffic
Juvenile Unit
Major Crimes/Gangs
Special Assault

On average each attorney carries a caseload of over 100 active cases.

March is National Criminal Justice Month. Established in 2009, Congress sought to bring public attention to the need for an effective criminal justice system.

The safety and security of our communities is intimately connected to the health of our justice system. When the justice system is healthy, safety is preserved; judges are empowered to make independent decisions and are trusted by the community; and incarcerated people receive services appropriate to their needs with the goal of preventing recidivism.

In step with the purpose of the month, did you know that currently, across the country there is a shortage of public defenders and prosecutors? To learn more read about the crisis here:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/was-public-defender-system-is-breaking-down-communities-reeling/

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/attorney-shortage-continues-in-courts-around-wa-with-new-proposals-on-the-table/article_4ad167de-a427-11ee-8d03-73932a2af9b7.html

To apply to be a Spokane County public defender or deputy prosecutor, follow the link below:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/4275191/attorney-1-open-continuously

WA’s public defender system is breaking down Washington’s public defender system is facing a shortage of attorneys, leading to crushing caseloads and putting defendants’ right to representation in jeopardy.

Today, February 28, 2024 Jermaine J. Green was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for vehicular homicide. The sentence stemmed from a collision at the intersection of Maple St. and Garland Ave. in 2022.


On October 6th, 2022 shortly after 11:00 am, patrol responded to a two-car injury collision at the intersection of Maple St. and Garland Ave. Witnesses reported that a silver Mercedes had run a red light eastbound on Garland Ave. and struck a Nissan Frontier northbound on Maple St. Witnesses also reported that the driver of the Mercedes had fled the scene on foot. The driver of the Nissan was transported from the scene by emergency medical personnel with severe, life-threatening injuries.

SPD Officers arrived on scene and with the assistance of witnesses, neighbors and a K9 unit, the driver was located hiding in a backyard. The driver was identified as Jermaine J. Green (38). A drug recognition expert responded and determined there was reason to believe Green was impaired. Spokane Police Major Crimes collision investigators responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.

Unfortunately, the following day Bill Elixman, who was the driver of the not-at-fault vehicle, died as a result of his injuries from the collision.

Following an extensive investigation, on February 28th, 2024 Green pled guilty to vehicular homicide in Spokane Superior Court. Judge Clary sentenced Green to 158 months in prison.

The Spokane Police Department would like to thank the concerned citizens who stopped to provide aid at the scene as well as those who assisted in the apprehension of the fleeing driver following the collision.


Lieutenant Terry Preuninger
Spokane Police Department | Public Information Office | Explosive Disposal Unit

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month.

Sadly, human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world today. The U.S. Dept. of Justice estimates that between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the country each year.

And it isn't just a national issue, it is a Spokane County issue:

https://www.kxly.com/news/local-news/sex-trafficking-ring-busted-at-northern-quest/article_a31cc9d7-efc8-5bc6-895e-19b0f43d4f32.html

https://www.khq.com/news/23-year-old-man-arrested-for-sex-trafficking-17-year-old-girl-had-her-shipped/article_0247ade4-9ba3-11ed-a0e8-2feeee82ddca.html

Learn the indicators of human trafficking and how you can assist in its prevention at https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking

Indicators of Human Trafficking | Homeland Security Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life.

Today, and every day, we thank our veterans!

Our office has opportunities to appear and represent jurisdictions outside of our own in certain instances. This was one of those opportunities.

DPA Kiefer Stenseng represented several Sheriffs across the state challenging a law that unconstitutionally delegated some of their core functions to the legislative branch of their Counties. Thanks to DPA Stenseng's excellent representation, the Washington State Supreme Court held in favor of the Sheriffs in a 5-4 decision.

Read the full opinion here: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=1013752MAJ

Here is the full letter from our office requesting Judge Fearing's recusal in certain criminal matters that was the subject of today's Spokesman article.

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/sep/03/prosecutor-asks-judge-to-recuse-himself-in-spokane/

Prosecutor asks judge to recuse himself in Spokane cases after he wrote that Black man's now-overturned conviction was indicative of racism Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell is fighting back against an appellate judge who has accused him and his office of being racist.

Board of County Commissioners Emergency Declaration Special Meeting 8/19/2023

Today we remember those who paid the ultimate price for our liberty and our enduring freedom.

Freedom is not free.

Suspect who Attempted to Steal a Flatbed Trailer, and Mini
Found Guilty by Jury

On May 18, 2023, a jury found 29-year-old Bricen J. Steeneck, a convicted felon and one of two suspects that attempted to steal an excavator and trailer, guilty of Theft 1st Degree and Assault 2nd Degree. The theft occurred on October 30, 2022, in the 1300 block of N. Bowdish in Spokane Valley.

Through their investigation, Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives identified one suspect, the driver as Steeneck, and the second suspect, and passenger who was shot twice by the victim, as 45-year-old Robert J. Day.

Steeneck is currently scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2023. He remains in custody due to this guilty verdict and an open case where he was charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree.

Day is also in custody for a charge of Theft 1st Degree stemming from this theft on October 30, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney A. Krotoff and held in Spokane County Superior Court, with the Honorable Spokane County Superior Court Judge Marla L. Polin presiding.

# # #
Original Release sent October 31, 2022:

Suspects Attempt to Steal Flatbed Trailer, and Mini Excavator Victim Fires a Pistol at Suspects who Drove at Him

Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives are investigating an incident where a victim chased down two suspects attempting to steal the victim’s flatbed trailer and mini excavator. The victim tried to block the suspect’s vehicle, but the driver backed up and then drove toward the victim, causing him to fear for his safety, and he fired his pistol at the suspect’s truck. The victim continued to try and follow the suspect’s truck and stolen equipment, later found abandoned near N. Morton Street and E. North Avenue. Spokane Police Officers assisted with the search for the suspects, but they were not located. This investigation remains open and active.

On October 30, 2022, at approximately 7:30 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of a stolen flatbed trailer and mini excavator in the 1300 block of N. Bowdish Road in Spokane Valley. The caller stated her husband was in his truck chasing the suspected thieves, who attached their (suspect’s) truck to the trailer with the excavator and drove away.

A couple of minutes later, additional callers reported hearing gunshots in the 1500 block of N. Bowdish.

At approximately 8:00 am, callers reported a truck pulling a trailer/excavator was being chased near E. Wabash Avenue and N. Martin Street. The suspect’s truck and stolen trailer/excavator were located near N. Morton Street and E. North Avenue. Spokane Police Officers assisted, and a perimeter was quickly established.

A K9 Unit and UASs were used during the search, but the suspects were not located. A significant amount of blood was found on the passenger’s side floorboard of the suspect’s truck, and it is believed at least one of the suspects was injured during the incident.

Major Crimes Detectives responded to continue the investigation.

The suspect’s truck and the victim’s trailer, excavator, and handgun were all seized as evidence.

The victim was cooperative and later released without charges.

When located, the suspects could face several charges, including felony assault and theft.

Suspect #1 was described as a white male in his 40s, wearing a bright neon jacket.

Suspect #2 was described as a white male in his 40s, heavy set, wearing a red jacket, and limping (possibly shot in the leg).
Anyone with information regarding this incident or who can help identify the suspects is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10145295.

Our Civil Division is hiring! See posting below!

Attorney 1
Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Civil Division
This position is 37.5 hours per week
$57,860.87 - $80,984.33 Annually
The Civil Division of the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking an attorney to join our Involuntary Treatment Act (“ITA”) Department.

The ITA Department represents behavioral health organizations (i.e. Sacred Heart, Deaconess, Valley Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Inland Northwest Behavioral Health, Calispel and Foothills Evaluation and Treatment Centers, Daybreak Center, Tamarack, Eastern State Hospital and American Behavioral Health Systems) petitioning to involuntarily detain individuals who, as a result of a mental health or substance use disorder, present a likelihood of serious harm to themselves, others, or the property of others, or are unable to meet their basic health and safety needs. These proceedings are governed by the Involuntary Treatment Act, found in RCW 71.05.

Under initial detention petitions filed by designated crisis responders, an individual may be emergently detained for up to 120 hours. Thereafter, if the treating facility believes further inpatient treatment is necessary to stabilize the individual, the facility may petition the superior court for an additional 14, 90, or 180 days of inpatient treatment. The individual then has the right to contest their need for detention and treatment, and is entitled to a full hearing governed by the rules of evidence. For treatment beyond 14 days, the individual has the right to request a jury trial. By statute, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office is charged with representing the petitioners in those hearings. These are civil, rather than criminal, proceedings, not to be confused with the mental health or drug courts administered through the criminal justice system.

Duties: Attorneys in the ITA Department are responsible for preparing cases and representing the petitioner(s) in contested hearings for involuntary treatment. Preparation includes critically evaluating evidence, anticipating and resolving legal or factual issues, interviewing expert witnesses (i.e. psychologists, psychiatrists, community mental health providers) and lay witnesses (i.e. family members), and preparing legal pleadings, including trial documents. When not in hearings or trial, attorneys are expected to provide the petitioners with timely legal advice on issues within the prosecutor’s scope of representation, as defined by statute.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
• Must have graduated from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association;
• Must be able to perform legal research, and readily analyze and apply statutory and case law to a variety of factual scenarios;
• Must be able to elicit evidence from expert and lay witnesses, cross examine detained individuals, make and respond to evidentiary objections, and make clear and logical arguments in both oral and written form;
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to individuals in crisis due to mental health or substance use disorders;
• Must comply with confidentiality requirements related sensitive health care information involved in ITA cases;
• Must have demonstrated predictable and reliable attendance; and
• Must be able to accept supervision and feedback and work well with others.
• Knowledge of civil, criminal, and appellate terminology, court rules and procedures is strongly preferred.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please view details and apply here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/2338434/attorney-1-open-continuously?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

And email a copy of your resume with cover letter to:
Jessica Pilgrim
Assistant Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor – Civil Division
[email protected]

Job Opportunities | Spokane County For California residents, and to the extent NEOGOV sells your personal information as the term “sell” is defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information by us to third parties at any time. This setting only applies to regi...

Deputy Prosecutor Kiefer Stenseng argued before the Supreme Court defending the core functions of Sheriffs across our state.

Washington State Supreme Court - TVW Oral Arguments: Robert Snaza, et al. v. State of Washington (Does RCW 10.116.030(3)(a) of the tear gas statute interfere with the core functions of the

Murder Suspect, Zane C. McDonald, Found Guilty on All Charges

This afternoon, March 24, 2023, in Spokane County Superior Court, a jury found Zane C. McDonald guilty of Murder 1st Degree, Murder 2nd Degree, Escape 2nd Degree, and Taking a Motor Vehicle without Consent 2nd Degree.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge J. Cooney presided over the proceedings, and Deputy Prosecutor D. Nagy and Deputy Prosecutor B. Stanley prosecuted the case.

Major Crimes Detective S. Bonney developed probable cause to obtain the Murder warrant on June 30, 2021, due to an investigation that began on April 23, 2021, when 58-year-old Anthony Plumb was found deceased inside his motorhome in the 900 block of N. Felts.

During the month’s long and meticulous investigation, Detective Bonney developed McDonald as a suspect in Plumb’s murder through interviews of witnesses, cell phone data, tips from the public, and evidence located in a stolen Jeep where McDonald was found in the driver’s seat and arrested on May 12, 2021. Additional evidence was collected with the assistance of Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Technicians and Major Crimes Detective Dean Meyer. DNA samples were sent to the Washington State Crime Lab for testing and comparison. Detective Bonney later obtained a warrant for McDonald’s arrest, charging him with Murder 2nd Degree.

McDonald’s charges were later amended to Murder 1st Degree, Murder 2nd Degree, Escape 2nd Degree, and Taking a Motor Vehicle without Consent 2nd Degree. The two Murder convictions carry deadly weapons enhancements.

McDonald is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2023.

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jan/20/man-who-fatally-stabbed-kassie-dewey-nearly-killed/

Man who fatally stabbed Kassie Dewey, nearly killed her 5-year-old pleads guilty to murder A 43-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder in the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend and near-fatal stabbing of her then-5-year-old daughter in north Spokane.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!