Editorial was unfair
In reference to your editorial in the Observer-Reporter on Oct. 1, I thank you in advance for the opportunity to respond. That editorial alleged there is a “mess in the district attorney’s office,” based on the recent dismissal of several criminal cases. This assertion contradicts the many articles you have published highlighting the positive work done by the district attorney’s office over the past two-and-a-half years, and is an inaccurate and unfair characterization of the office.
Under my leadership, drug arrests are up, and our Drug Task Force has established unprecedented cooperation with multistate and federal agencies. We are developing new programs aimed at reducing recidivism, and we have partnered with community organizations to educate and inform the public on the dangers of prescription drug and heroin abuse.
Our office has obtained increased funding for investigation and prosecution of crimes involving sexual exploitation, the abuses of children, elder abuse and domestic violence, and this has resulted in additional resources for local police departments to investigate and prosecute these offenders while protecting our vulnerable victims.
Due to improved law enforcement and investigative capabilities, combined with the increase in criminal cases due to heroin and an influx of people, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases in our courts. This office prosecutes 3,200 adult criminal cases a year, which is among the highest of any fourth-class county. All counties have Rule 600 dismissals. Washington County’s rate of withdrawal/dismissal is among the lowest in the commonwealth. Compounding the problem is an archaic system which is not equipped to handle that number of cases.
I have incorporated many new provisions to adapt to the caseload increase and the circumstances of these crimes. But the public must know the problems we face are systemic and not just a problem in the district attorney’s office. A cooperative effort between law enforcement, the court and our office is necessary to adapt to the challenges Washington County is facing.
Eugene A. Vittone
Washington
Vittone is the district attorney for Washington County.