November 12, 2009

Aggravated First-Degree Murder Charges Filed

King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced the filing of aggravated first-degree murder charges against Christopher Monfort for the October 31st shooting of Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton. Prosecutors also filed charges for the attempted murder of Officer Britt Sweeney as well as charges related to the firebombing of the Seattle Police maintenance yard on October 22nd. Prosecutors allege that Monfort intended to kill other police officers during the firebombing. An additional charge of attempted murder was filed for Monfort's attempt to shoot and kill a Seattle Police sergeant on November 6 when officers attempted to question Monfort. Prosecutor Satterberg described Monfort's criminal actions as a one-man war against the Seattle Police Department.

The Murder of SPD Officer Timothy Brenton

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) offers its deepest sympathy to the family and police family of slain SPD Officer Timothy Brenton.  We are all deeply disturbed by the outrageous crime that took the life of Officer Brenton and wounded officer-trainee Britt Sweeney Halloween night.  The random but targeted killing of a uniformed officer is an attack upon all citizens, aimed at the most obvious symbol of our social order.

A New Approach To Tackling Truancy - 
Keeping Kids in School Is Our Best Crime Prevention Strategy

Seventy-five percent of all state prison inmates and 59% of federal inmates are high-school dropouts.  Dropouts must compete for the lowest-paying jobs, and can expect to earn $260,000 less over a lifetime of work than high-school graduates.  It is in our interest, and in the best interest of the child, to keep school in the picture for every student in the county . . .

Confronting Gang Violence:  A Town Hall Discussion

More than 250 people filed into the City of Yakima's Capitol Theatre to hear about a problem that has reached into nearly every city in the state:  gang violence.  This event drew the entire 15th Legislative District delegation, Yakima County Commissioners and city officials, community groups, and other officials from around the state, including Dan Satterberg.  This event was hosted by KCTS talk show host Enrique Cerna and aired on October 29.   To watch this town hall discussion, click this link.

The Prosecutor's Post Is On TV

The Prosecutor's Post is now a television show on King County TV (CTV), cable channel 22.   CTV's most recent episode of "Justice Files," a show produced by Kimberly Hill, highlights The Prosecutor's Post and uses real courtroom footage and DPA interviews to highlight some of the PAO's cases.  "Justice Files" airs on Fridays at 8:00 a.m. and on Sundays at 10:00 p.m., or click this link to watch The Prosecutor's Post episode.

PAO Joins In Congratulating New U.S. Attorney

The PAO congratulates Jenny Durkan on her recent unanimous Senate confirmation as the new U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington.  The PAO looks forward to a continued partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office, and King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg and U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan are already discussing ways to enhance existing partnerships between the two offices that have created a coordinated approach to prosecuting firearm, mortgage fraud, and human trafficking cases.

PAO Awarded Federal Elder Abuse Grant

The PAO, one of only seven recipients in the nation, has been awarded a three-year federal grant from the Office of Violence Against Women to provide enhanced training for prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and direct service providers to improve our region's response to and prosecution of elder abuse cases.  This grant award represents national recognition of the PAO's innovative and progressive Elder Abuse program.  To learn more about the PAO's Elder Abuse Program, click this link.

Support Enforcement Partners With Drug Court

The PAO's Family Support Division has launched a new partnership with King County Drug Court that will enable Drug Court defendants to modify their monthly child support obligations to more accurately reflect their ability to pay.  Drug Court helps parents overcome chemical dependency, which is frequently a barrier to stable employment.   Modifying child support at a level commensurate with the non-custodial parent's ability to pay results in more consistent child support and increased support of children.

Repeat Burglar of the Month

The PAO's fight against repeat burglars -- known as the Repeat Burglar Initiative or "RBI" -- began in June of 2009, and is already paying off.  Defendant Heather McDuff has been charged with five counts of Residential Burglary for breaking into homes, stealing the homeowners' possessions, then driving away in their cars.  In one recent burglary, McDuff broke into a home while the homeowner was asleep on his couch.   She removed her shoes outside the home so she could tip-toe quietly through the house and pocket his possessions.  If convicted of the current charges, McDuff faces at least 84 months in prison, and additional charges may be filed as police continue their investigation of her.  To read more about McDuff, click this link.

PAO Recognizes 770 Years of Service

Last month, the PAO formally recognized those employees who have provided ten, twenty, twenty-five and thirty years of dedicated service to the office.  Combined, these passionate and hard-working individuals have provided 770 years of service to the citizens of King County.  We want to call special attention to the following employees, all of whom are deserving of our sincere gratitude for their many years of service:

30 years of service

• Karlis Abolins, Computer Services Coordinator

25 years of service

• Stephanie Bates, Paralegal

• Gloria Burton, Records Training Specialist

• John Cobb, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

• Michael Hogan, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

• Gisela Reynolds, Paralegal

• Ann Westberg, MRJC Office Manager & Supervisor

Community & Speaking Events

Dan Satterberg enjoys attending and speaking at community events.  If you would like to invite Dan or someone from the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to speak to your group, please email the office at this link Prosecuting Attorney.

In October, Dan spoke to the following organizations or at the following events:

• Seattle and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) Domestic Violence Rallies

• PAO's Sixth Annual Elder Abuse Conference

• Yakima Town Hall Meeting Regarding Gun Violence

• Interaction Transition House Breakfast.  Interaction Transition House is a transitional housing facility dedicated to assisting ex-felons make the transition from prison to a free community.