Showing posts with label law and justice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label law and justice. Show all posts

Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges September 25, 2024

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges

Wednesday, September 25, 6:30-7:30pm

Hosted by the King County Library


Description: Voting for judges is an important part of our democracy. Join a panel discussion to learn what judges do and how to vote for them.

Panel includes:
  • Moderator Craig Sims, trial lawyer, Schroeter, Goldmark and Bender, former Criminal Division Chief in the Seattle Attorney’s Office, former Senior King County Prosecutor, adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington School of Law
  • Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary I. Yu
  • King County Superior Court Judge Karen Matson Donohue
  • Retired King County District Judge (Shoreline) Marcine Anderson

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Prison Banned Books Week at Third Place Books September 22-28, 2024

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

During Prison Banned Books Week (Sept. 15-21) and Banned Books Week (Sept. 22-28), a generous donor will match your purchase when you buy a book from this wish-list for Books to Prisoners.
 
Books to Prisoners is a Seattle-based nonprofit that has been sending free books to individuals in prison for over 50 years. 

They do this because they believe that reading is an essential element of education, self-empowerment, and in breaking the cycle of recidivism.

Support this effort by buying a book for Books to Prisoners that will foster a love of reading, or illuminate a new path forward, or supply tools for post-prison success.

Link to the Wish List here

This wish list is valid through August 20, 2025.

Third Place Books is located on the upper level to Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.


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King County partners with University of Washington to open free veteran civil legal services clinic

Monday, September 9, 2024

King County Executive Dow Constantine and the University of Washington School of Law announced a new partnership to open a free civil legal services clinic for veterans, servicemembers, and their families.

Starting in early 2025, law students will work with the Veterans Clinic to provide free legal advice, representation, and services to veterans seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other legal assistance.

“The Veterans Clinic not only provides free civil legal services for veterans and their families, helping those who have served our country secure the benefits they deserve, but it helps to train and create a network of qualified attorneys specializing in the needs of veterans,” said Executive Constantine.
“After completing their training, with the expertise gained by working in the clinic, these future lawyers can continue to serve King County’s veteran community.”

Filing a claim for veterans’ benefits can be a complex process. It involves navigating intricate paperwork, understanding eligibility criteria, and meeting specific documentation requirements. Veterans with disabilities may also encounter further difficulty navigating the claims process and require the assistance of someone trained to file or appeal claims or request the correction of documents or military records.

The law students will be trained to understand the complexities of the veteran service system to ensure claims are accurately and completely filed, reducing the likelihood of delays or denials.

“As the first law school in Washington state, now in our 125th year, our Clinical Law Program has a 45-year history of service to communities in need, including the veteran population.
"Through the new UW Veterans Clinic, twelve to fifteen law students each academic year will engage in direct, continuous pro bono representation of King County veterans,” said Tamara F. Lawson, Toni Rembe Dean and professor of law at the University of Washington School of Law.
“Our Clinical Law Program is well situated to handle veterans’ cases that require extensive factual and legal research, and we are well positioned to handle complex cases, work with accredited VSO representatives in support of initial claims and prepare subsequent appeals.”

Veterans can schedule an appointment with the clinic to receive benefits claims assistance and support in obtaining and correcting military records, including the corrections necessary to substantiate benefit claims or correct an injustice in the military record, such as separation due solely to gender or sexuality.

The clinic will also help veterans, current servicemembers, and their families with eligibility requirements and available benefits, submission of initial claims, gathering the necessary documentation, navigating the appeal process for denied claims, and connection to resources to address other legal issues outside of Veterans Affairs claims.

The Veterans Clinic is funded by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, VSHSL. The VSHSL was renewed by King County voters for the fourth time in August 2023, by the highest approval rating in its history.

This new investment will help meet the increasing need for legal assistance in obtaining veteran benefits.

Details on how veterans can connect with the Veterans Clinic and make an appointment will be shared on the University of Washington School of Law’s website.


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Department of Justice obtains partial restitution for Shoreline homeowner scammed by Irish nationals

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Photo by Alexander Grey on unsplash.com
Two individuals from Ireland pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their theft of more than $400,000 from a Shoreline, Washington, homeowner, and other victims across the country. 

Patrick McDonagh and Matthew McDonagh were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in mid-June and were charged federally in mid-July. 

They are scheduled for sentencing in front of U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on November 25, 2024.

According to records filed in the case, the brothers were part of a group that traveled the country scamming homeowners – especially the elderly – by falsely representing a home needed urgent repairs. One older homeowner in the Shoreline neighborhood north of Seattle, lost about $435,000 to the scheme.

The men first approached the victim in January 2024, claimed they were working in the neighborhood and had noticed that the victim had a hole in his roof. 

The men offered to fix the hole and remove the moss from the roof. Over the course of a few days, they pressured the victim to write them checks for their “services” of $15,000, $20,000, and $26,000. They also claimed that the victim’s foundation was cracked, and they said they would repair that with a “titanium tie rod system.”

The roof had no hole, and the foundation was not failing. However, the men dug trenches and poured some concrete to make it appear work was done, and each day they pressured the victim to write more checks. They even demanded an extra $20,000 for “taxes.” 

Ultimately, they demanded the victim wire $200,000 to a third party for building supplies – again far in excess of any work they claimed to have done. In all the brothers stole $435,000 from the victim. 

Quick work by a Shoreline Detective and the King County Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the recovery of some of the wired funds.

The FBI investigation connected the brothers to contractor fraud complaints in Oregon and Illinois. 

In Oregon, Patrick McDonagh represented to three different victims that he was affiliated with a local legitimate construction firm, when in fact he was not. Those homeowners paid as much as $29,000 for foundation work that was never completed as promised. 

In Illinois, Matthew McDonagh claimed he would repave a victim’s driveway and rebuild a retaining wall for $99,000. After the victim paid $75,000, the work was poorly done and damaged the victim’s house. The value of any work done was significantly less than what was paid.

The defendants have agreed to make restitution to the victims in the case. This includes $235,000 to the Shoreline victim, nearly $50,000 to the three victims in Oregon, $75,000 to a victim in Illinois, and more than $673,000 to a victim in Bellevue, Washington.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend 26 months in prison for each defendant. Judge Chun is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law.

The FBI is investigating this case and was assisted by the Shoreline Police Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine and Spokane Sector’s Anti-Smuggling Units (ASU).

The FBI reminds the public of red flags for contractor fraud: The contractor knocks on your door looking for business because they are “in the area” and uses aggressive sales tactics. The contractor pressures you for an immediate hiring decision. The contractor accepts only cash as payment and demands full payment before starting any work. In the sales pitch, the contractor claims to have materials left over from a previous job.

Tips to avoid contractor fraud: Always get multiple estimates for any work you want done. Ensure contractors are licensed and insured. Look them up at Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries website* Check with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission to search for complaints against a contractor.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar. Ms. Staniar serves as the Criminal Elder Fraud Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.

To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.

*At time of publication, the website was not responding. 
L&I listed these numbers for Contractor information 1-800-647-0982 OR 360-902-5226 (Option 2)


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Washington State man arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for actions during Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Thursday, August 22, 2024

WASHINGTON — A Washington State man was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.


Thomas Hobbs of
Snohomish WA
Thomas Hodo, 47, of Snohomish, Washington
, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.

The FBI arrested Hodo on Aug. 20, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, and he made his initial appearance in the District of Arizona.

Codefendant Derek Noftsger was previously charged for his role in the events of January 6, 2021. (see previous story)

According to court documents, Noftsger and Hodo were identified in open-source video standing near a line of police officers on Jan. 6, 2021, on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds. 

At approximately 1:37pm, Hodo allegedly joined with a group of rioters who attempted to pull a bike rack barricade away from police as Noftsger stood nearby and watched. About one minute later, Hodo walked over to Noftsger and appeared to place a flag in Noftsger's backpack. Hodo then appeared to take an item from Noftsger's bag and threw the item in the direction of the police line.

About six minutes after throwing an item in the direction of officers, Hodo approached the police line and began to speak using a megaphone. 

In part, Hodo stated, "it is our constitutional duty, we have to stand up to a tyrannical government, we are not supposed to secede to a tyrannical government," then went on to claim that he supported the police, before proclaiming that "every treasonous traitor will be hung . . . . we will take our country back." 

After handing off the megaphone to another rioter, he looked at the officers on the police line and said, "you guys are a f— disgrace."

At approximately 2:26pm, multiple rioters began to push against the police line near the two defendants. Officers on the police line pushed the rioters back, and, in response, it is alleged that Noftsger picked up a police officer’s riot shield from the ground and faced a Metropolitan Police Department officer. When officers pushed back a rioter near Noftsger, he allegedly lifted the riot shield above his head with both hands and threw it at the officers.

It is then alleged that Hodo picked up an object off the ground that appeared to be a canister of pepper spray and attempted to spray it at the officers; however, the canister was not deployed. Hodo then allegedly threw the canister in the direction of the police officers.

At about 2:28pm, rioters on the West Plaza overran the police line and Noftsger and Hodo climbed onto the Southwest Scaffolding. The two men then made their way to the Lower West Terrace and unfurled the flag that they had been carrying. 

In an open-source video, Hodo can be heard stating, "It could get a lot worse, we came in peace this time, it could get a lot worse, believe me we are well armed if we need to be."

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington.

The case is being investigated by the FBI's Seattle and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.


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King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed 125 felony drug dealing cases so far in 2024

Friday, August 16, 2024


Through the end of June, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed 125 felony drug dealing cases so far in 2024. 77.6% of those involved fentanyl and/or methamphetamine. Frequently, (32% of the cases) the drug dealing charges involved more than one kind of drug.

Of the 125 drug dealing cases filed so far this year, 17 of those cases (13.6%) also had a firearms-related charge.

According to the most recent data from Public Health — Seattle and King County, there have been 669 confirmed drug overdose or alcohol poisoning deaths through August in 2024. 

Our prosecutors will continue to prosecute the people who deal fentanyl and meth and other deadly drugs in our communities.

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Driver sentenced for hit and run that killed a Shoreline mother in 2021

Sunday, August 4, 2024

On November 16, 2021, a Shoreline mom was driving her daughter to soccer practice when she was hit by an impaired driver who ran from the scene.

The collision took place in Shoreline at the intersection of N 185th and Linden Ave N.

Diane Marx was killed immediately and her two young daughters injured. (see our previous story)

On July 25, 2024 the driver, Aaron Ott,  accepted a plea agreement for counts of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, hit-and-run felony death, and reckless driving that will put him in jail for over ten years.

According to reporting on Fox13Seattle.com,

"Officials said Ott was speeding when he crashed into Diane’s car near the intersection of Linden Ave N and N 185th Street. Investigators said Ott ran away from the scene and hid in a shed before officers found and arrested him. According to court documents, a Drug Recognition Expert Officer was called to the scene where Ott admitted he drank, took Xanax and Adderall on that fateful day.

"A King County judge sentenced Ott to 10 years and nine months in prison. He was ordered not to contact the Marx family and will be enrolled in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. A judge also ordered Ott to wear a portable alcohol breath device immediately after his release for 18 months."



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Two Irish nationals stole more than $400,000 from Shoreline homeowner whom they misled about roof and foundation repairs

Sunday, July 14, 2024

The man at your door says you have a hole in your roof - but do you?

Seattle – Two individuals from Ireland are charged in U.S. District Court in Seattle with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their theft of more than $400,000 from a Shoreline homeowner.

Patrick McDonagh and Matthew McDonagh were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in mid-June and have been held at the immigration detention center. They have been transferred to the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac and will make their first appearance on the criminal charge today at 2:00 PM.

According to the criminal complaint, the pair was part of a group that traveled the country allegedly scamming homeowners – especially the elderly – by falsely representing the home needed an urgent repair. 

One older homeowner in Shoreline lost about $435,000 to the scheme.

“This type of fraud on our elderly neighbors is heartbreaking,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “To pose as someone trying to help them, while all the while the goal is to steal as much as they can from the victim’s hard-earned retirement funds. It is a special kind of cruelty to engage in such conduct.”

The men first approached the victim in January 2024, claimed they were working in the neighborhood and had noticed that the victim had a hole in his roof. The men offered to fix the hole and remove the moss from the roof. 

Over the course of a few days, they pressured the victim to write them checks for their “services” of $15,000, $20,000, and $26,000. They also claimed that the victim’s foundation was cracked, and they said they would repair that with a “titanium tie rod system.”

The roof had no hole, and the foundation was not failing. However, the men dug trenches and poured some concrete to make it appear work was done, and each day they pressured the victim to write more checks. They even demanded an extra $20,000 for “taxes.” 

Ultimately, they demanded the victim wire $200,000 to a third party for building supplies – again far in excess of any work they claimed to have done. In all the brothers stole $435,000 from the victim.

The FBI investigation connected the brothers to contractor fraud complaints in Washington County, Oregon and Spokane, Washington totaling about $50,000. In those cases, they used fake photos of holes in the homeowner’s roof or alleged problems with the house’s foundation or posed as local-reputable businesses.

“Sadly, seniors are often an attractive target for fraudsters attempting to steal a lifetime of savings, and scammers are skilled at deceiving people, said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. 
“We encourage consumers to stay vigilant and avoid making quick decisions before doing research or getting to know someone. If you think you or someone you know could be a fraud victim, call your financial institution immediately and report suspected fraud to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.”

Red flags for contractor fraud:
  • The contractor knocks on your door looking for business because they are “in the area” and uses aggressive sales tactics.
  • The contractor pressures you for an immediate hiring decision.
  • The contractor accepts only cash as payment and demands full payment before starting any work.
  • In the sales pitch, the contractor claims to have materials left over from a previous job.
Tips to avoid contractor fraud:
  • Always get multiple estimates for any work you want done.
  • Ensure contractors are licensed and insured. Look them up at Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries website 
  • Check with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission to search for complaints against a contractor.
Conspiracy to commit Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.


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Op-Ed: United Way of King County response to U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding people experiencing homelessness

Sunday, June 30, 2024

The United States Supreme Court ruling that people experiencing homelessness can be arrested and fined for sleeping in public places moves our nation backward in being able to resolve the homelessness crisis and places even more burdens and debts on the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.

Punishing people for being unhoused is not a solution to end homelessness and does not address the underlying issues of the crisis. People experiencing homelessness already have nowhere to go – through no fault of their own – and this ruling will exacerbate the problem.

At United Way of King County, we believe in investing in and implementing prevention strategies—currently few and far between—to ensure people don’t fall into homelessness in the first place. We need our national and local governments to invest more to ensure affordable housing is readily available for renters with the lowest income. Our community deserves stronger renter protections and eviction prevention resources to stabilize households during a crisis so they don’t fall into homelessness.

We believe that this ruling will fail to reduce homelessness, requiring an extreme need for resources and funding to make sure further harm is not placed on the unhoused. This ruling does not lead with real solutions or facts.

Data shows that meeting people with individualized immediate access to stable housing and other wrap-around services and case management will lead to housing stability. Rather than leading with an approach to invest in adequate housing, shelter, and financial resources, this ruling punishes unhoused people for being in a vulnerable situation and not having a home.

Further, Black, Indigenous, and people of color experience homelessness at higher rates due to longstanding historical and structural racism, as well as single mothers with children under 18. This ruling, along with raising housing costs and gaps in income levels, will not solve any issues for these populations, which should be prioritized.

Prevention efforts are more important than ever. Our community deserves to ensure that no one is punished or criminalized for being unhoused.

United Way of King County


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Farivar's bill to eliminate statute of limitations for those who sexually abuse children passes House, Senate

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Rep. Darya Farivar D-46 Northeast Seattle
On February 29, 2024, the State Senate voted unanimously to pass House Bill 1618 addressing the impact of childhood sexual abuse and empowering survivors to seek justice.

The legislation eliminates the statute of limitations for recovery of damages because of childhood sexual abuse. 

It aims to unmask hidden predators, shift financial burdens from victims to perpetrators, and raise public awareness.

Representative Darya Farivar (D-Seattle), the sponsor of the legislation, shared that it “reflects a societal shift towards transparency and protecting children from sexual crimes.”

Farivar emphasizes the non-linear path to recovery, stressing the importance of empowering survivors to hold predators accountable. 

“This will fundamentally change the way Washington state handles childhood sexual abuse and force entities to come to terms with reality. The clock can no longer be run out and those who perpetrate the abuse, as well as those who allow it to happen, will be identified and held accountable.” added Farivar.

House Bill 1618’s vote from the Senate marks a pivotal moment in prioritizing justice and recovery for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle (46th Legislative District), represents northeast Seattle. She is the Vice Chair of the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, and a member of the Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry and Capital Budget committees.


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Community safety – Twin threats of firearms and fentanyl

Friday, January 26, 2024

Some of the blue fentanyl pills seized in the district.
From Report to the Community
By U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman
Dept of Justice - Western Washington District

Federal law enforcement works tirelessly to stem the flow of potentially deadly fentanyl pills into Western Washington. 

The Western District of Washington filed 63 drug prosecutions in 2023, involving some 135 defendants. 

That is 14% more drug cases and a 27% increase in drug defendants over last year. 

Our cases focus on cartel connected organizations, violent drug dealers, and those having a dramatic impact on our communities.

Fentanyl pills
The Criminal Enterprises Unit leads investigations of organized drug trafficking groups. 

Whether the traffickers are operating in the urban core or in our rural communities, law enforcement makes stopping the flow of deadly fentanyl a top priority. 

Some of those trafficking these drugs have clear connections to Mexico based cartels such as CJNG – a group known for its violence. 

Two leaders of that drug trafficking organization were sentenced to 17 and 12 years in prison.

The influx of fentanyl tainted pills into Western Washington continues to wreak havoc on our communities with fentanyl overdose deaths at an all-time high in King county.

Some of the firearms seized in a raid
In March 2023, we indicted 24 people connected to a white supremacist prison gang for trafficking fentanyl, meth, and other drugs. 

Law enforcement seized nearly 2 million doses of fentanyl and more than 225 firearms – some shown at left.

As part of our commitment to public safety and interdicting gun crime, federal prosecutors joined with the Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration to prosecute those who were dealing drugs in key downtown Seattle hot spots while carrying firearms. 

Our Terrorism and Violent Crime Unit prosecuted nine people who were selling narcotics – primarily fentanyl pills (such as those at right) -- at 12th and Jackson (Chinatown/International District) and at 3rd and Pike/Pine. 

These vibrant parts of Seattle have become a magnet for crime with open air drug dealing. Ongoing efforts by the city and federal partners are aimed at returning a sense of safety to these sections of the city. In one of the cases we prosecuted from this effort, an armed drug dealer from the downtown area was sentenced to five years in prison.


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Supreme Court will not rule on state capital gains tax used to fund school construction

Monday, January 22, 2024

Washington state passed a capital gains tax in 2021, a measure affirmed as constitutional by the state Supreme Court last year. 

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider a legal challenge to the measure. 

In the program’s first year, nearly $900 million was collected from a thin, ultra-rich sliver of the populace: just 3,765 returns were subject to the tax on extraordinary profits in excess of $250,000 from stock and bond sales. 

Those hundreds of millions of dollars will fund school construction, childcare programs, and K-12 education statewide.


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New Washington state laws taking effect in January 2024

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Washington State Capitol building in Olympic
Photo courtesy Washington State

By Laurel Demkovich
Washington State Standard

Restrictions on testing workers for marijuana use, a waiting period for firearm purchases, stronger voting rights for Washington residents and harsher penalties for street racing are among the new laws set to take effect next week.

Washington’s Legislature passed more than 450 bills last session, which ended in April. Most took effect in July but a handful don’t until January 1.

Here’s a look at a few notable ones:

Marijuana testing

Although recreational marijuana has been legal for adults in Washington since 2012, some employers in the state still test job applicants for the substance.

Under a new law, employers are blocked from conducting drug tests for cannabis when making hiring decisions. They can still test for other drugs before hiring, and they can test employees for cannabis in certain situations, such as after an accident, if they have suspicions a worker is impaired while on the clock, or to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Employers who need to test to meet federal regulations, such as trucking companies, can still do so. Other workers, including police, firefighters, airline crews and corrections officers, may still have to test as well.

10-day gun waiting period

Beginning next year, those wishing to buy a firearm in Washington will need to complete a background check and then wait 10 business days before they are allowed to complete the purchase.

Supporters say the delay will help save lives, especially for those who may benefit from a “cooling off” period between wanting to purchase a gun and actually owning one.

The law also requires those wishing to purchase a firearm to take a safety training program within five years of purchasing it.

Hospital staffing

By January 1, hospitals in Washington need to establish staffing committees made up of nursing staff and administrators.

The committees must approve annual staffing plans, which include a certain number of nurses per patient, and submit them by 2025 to the state Department of Health. Hospitals must then begin tracking how often they follow the plans and how often they are not complying with them because they have too few nurses working compared to patients. Beginning in 2027, hospitals can begin receiving fines if they are not following their approved plans at least 80% of the time.

The staffing committee requirement is part of a larger bill aimed at creating safe staffing standards, including staff-patient ratios, in hospitals. Nurses have long said that they need new protections to ensure they are caring for a reasonable number of patients and can provide safe and high-quality care. Hospitals have resisted, saying they don’t have the staff to meet the kind of ratios the nurses are pushing for.

The law approved this year was a compromise between hospitals and nurse unions that supporters say gives more accountability to staffing committees.

Voting rights

Washington lawmakers approved a state Voting Rights Act in 2018. It is intended to address situations where there are signs of “polarized” voting among different groups in a community and where there are risks that some groups are having their votes diluted so that they don’t have a fair opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The law also allowed local governments to voluntarily reform their election systems to be more representative of their populations and for lawsuits to be filed if the locality refused to take such steps.

An issue with the law is that it can be costly for voters to challenge a local elections system for violations of the act. Changes to the state Voting Rights Act passed earlier this year aim to make it easier for an individual to challenge the system by allowing an organization or a tribe to challenge election systems on an individual member’s behalf. It also provides a pathway for people or organizations to recover costs they incur when researching the possible legal challenges.

Street racing

A new law imposes tougher penalties for street racing. Those caught can have their car impounded for 72 hours on the first offense and forfeited on the second one. Those who aiding and abetting street racers can also be charged.

Newspaper publisher tax exemption

Newspaper and digital publishers who fit certain criteria will get a business and occupation tax exemption starting next year.

Previously newspaper publishers had a 0.35% business and occupation tax rate, applied to any business activities conducted within the state.

The goal of the exemption is to help support local journalism in Washington and to help retain publishing jobs and news outlets.


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King County Prosecutor: 80+% Increase in charged homicide and firearm cases

Friday, December 1, 2023

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has
86.5% more charged homicide cases in 2023 vs. 2019

From the blog of King County’s elected Prosecutor, Leesa Manion
Published on Medium

In November of 2023, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has 86.5% more charged homicide cases and nearly 83% more charged firearm cases when compared to the same month in 2019.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office team that responds to these cases is called the Most Dangerous Offenders Project, or MDOP.

MDOP Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and are frequently called on in the middle of the night to respond to homicide scenes, assist detectives with search warrants, etc. 

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys who respond to these calls see the case through from start to finish, in what’s known as a vertical prosecution model.

In 2023 (through November 2), MDOP has responded to 144 callouts (potential homicide scenes) and there have been 123 confirmed homicides. In approximately 20 of those 144 callouts, the victim survived or the cause of death was ruled an overdose, suicide, or accident.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has
83% more charged firearm-involved cases in 2023 vs. 2019

Of the confirmed gun violence homicides in 2023, 82% were people of color and 20% were ages 18–24.

MDOP began with 7 Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, 1 chair, 2 paralegals, and 1 victim advocate, but in response to the increase in homicides in King County since 2019 the team has expanded. Today, there are 13 MDOP Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, with each attorney handling between 14–25 filed homicide cases.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office’s top priority continues to be addressing people charged with repeat offenses and responding to serious, violent cases. These serious, violent cases are not only at historic levels, but also take significantly more time and resources to prosecute compared to less serious crime types. 

Throughout King County, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is charging felony gun crimes every day, charging repeat property offenses each day, staying in constant communication with law enforcement, working proactively with community groups to prevent tragedies and recidivism, and tracking every reported gunshot with our Crime Strategies Unit and sharing those reports publicly.


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Immigration legal clinic November 16, 2023

Tuesday, November 7, 2023


Shoreline Police are partnering with Guanajuatenses en Washington for an upcoming legal clinic.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteer attorneys will provide free, limited legal consultations.

Thursday November 16, 2023, 6 - 9pm


Registration is required: 

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Former Executive Director of Tribal non-profit job training program pleads guilty to embezzling federal funds

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Tacoma – The former Executive Director of the Western Washington Indian Employment Training Program (WWIETP) pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to embezzling from a program receiving federal funds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Debbie Rawle, 68, of Tacoma served as Executive Director of the tribally owned non-profit job training program for several years until October 2019. 

The non-profit is now defunct and no longer receiving any federal funds. 

Rawle is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo for the embezzlement of nearly $100,000 on January 5, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, the job training non-profit received $698,153 in 2018 and $703,388 in 2019 to provide employment and training services for eligible tribal members. 

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Indian and Native American Programs administers the funds.

In September 2019, the Division of Indian and Native American Programs began investigating questionable expenditures using the debit card of the non-profit training organization at a Macy’s store. 

Rawle provided false and misleading information about the purchases, claiming they were work related. In fact, there were multiple purchases of items for Rawle’s own use including a new mattress, sunglasses, and clothing.

Further investigation revealed Rawle used the organization debit card for purchases at Best Buy, Amazon, and Costco. At Costco she purchased a cedar pavilion and above ground swimming pool, while on Amazon she ordered a pool maintenance kit, and motorcycle accessories costing more than $1,000. 

In all, the embezzled funds amount to $99,990.

“The Western Washington Indian Employment and Training Program (WWIETP) provided education, job training, and employment services to Native Americans through grants funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. 
"As Executive Director, Debbie Rawle used her position at the WWIETP to embezzle these funds to personally enrich herself. 
"We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively identify those who commit similar crimes and bring them to justice,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

Rawle has agreed to pay $99,990 in restitution. Embezzlement from a program receiving federal funds is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence will be determined by Chief Judge Estudillo who will consider a number of statutory factors before determining the appropriate sentence.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Indian and Native American Programs (“DINAP”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London. Mr. London serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.


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Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges - online Tuesday September 26, 2023

Saturday, September 23, 2023


Your Voice, Your Choice: A Guide to Voting for Judges, Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 – 8 pm. King County Library System Online Event

Voting for judges is an important part of our democracy. Join a panel discussion to learn what judges do and how to vote for them.

Panel includes: 
  • Moderator William Covington, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Director, Technology Law and Public Policy Clinic and teaching professor at the University of Washington School of Law; 
  • Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary I. Yu; 
  • King County Superior Court Judge Karen Matson Donohue; 
  • Retired King County Shoreline District Judge Marcine Anderson.

Sponsored by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Registration required.


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Here comes the Judge(s) - ELNA program with district court judges on Tuesday

Monday, September 18, 2023

The Robert A. Wacker Courthouse in Shoreline
Have you ever wondered what goes on in the Shoreline District Court? 

The building is in a central location at 180th and Meridian at Cromwell Park. 

But have you ever been inside?

Recently retired (from District Court) Judge Marcine Anderson and current judges Karama Hawkins and Raul Martinez will answer that question and more.

They'll explain the geographic area served by the court and the type of cases heard at the courthouse, both criminal and civil. They can answer your questions about jury service and why they love jurors! And they will explain the advantages of the newest innovation -- Zoom access to all court hearings.

Plus Community Court, which is held at Shoreline City Hall.

The meeting is Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 7pm on Zoom. 

Meetings are open to the public. Email ELNABoard@gmail.com for the Zoom link.


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New court administrator in Lake Forest Park - Julie Espinoza

Friday, September 1, 2023

New LFP Court Administrator Julie Espinoza
Julie Espinoza was recently hired as the new Court Administrator for Lake Forest Park Municipal Court.

Most recently, Ms. Espinoza served as Assistant Court Administrator for Edmonds Municipal Court. 

She joins the LFP court team with years of experience at the municipal court level. Ms. Espinoza has also earned certifications in court management from the National Association for Court Management (NACM) and the Institute for Court Management (ICM) to include financial, case flow, workforce, and court performance management.

Ms. Espinoza will be working closely with Presiding Judge Jennifer Johnson Grant and the court staff to manage the non-judicial functions and daily operations of the municipal court.


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Nigerian citizen extradited from Germany to face charges over attempt to steal $25 million in U.S. benefits

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Seattle – One of two Nigerian citizens residing in Canada, who allegedly defrauded the pandemic unemployment benefit programs in multiple states, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Friday August 18, 2023. 

Sakiru Olanrewaju Ambali, 45, was arrested in February 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany, as he traveled back to Canada from Nigeria. Ambali had been detained in Germany pending extradition. 

Ambali and codefendant Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, 45, are accused of using the stolen identities of thousands of Americans to submit over 1,700 claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to over 25 different states, including Washington State.

According to the indictment, Lawal and Ambali used the stolen personal information of thousands of U.S. taxpayers and residents to file fraudulent claims for COVID-19 pandemic assistance and false tax returns seeking refunds. In total, the claims sought approximately $25 million, but the conspirators obtained approximately $2.4 million, primarily from pandemic unemployment benefits.

The co-conspirators allegedly submitted claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to more than 25 states including New York, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, California, and Washington. Using 13 Google accounts they filed some 900 claims. The co-conspirators also allegedly established four internet domain names that they then used for fraud – creating some 800 different email addresses that were used for fraud.

Lawal and Ambali allegedly filed over 2,300 fraudulent income tax returns seeking over $7.1 million in tax refunds. The IRS caught most of the fraud and paid only about $30,000 in fraudulent refunds.

The co-conspirators also attempted to use the stolen American identities for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to defraud the Small Business Administration.

According to the indictment, the co-conspirators had the proceeds of their fraud sent to cash cards or to “money mules” who transferred the funds according to instructions given by the co-conspirators. They also allegedly used stolen identities to open bank accounts and have the money deposited directly into those accounts for their use.

Lawal and Ambali are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, ten counts of wire fraud and six counts of aggravated identity theft.

Lawal remains in Canada, pending extradition.

The National Unemployment Fraud Task Force provided a lead on this case to the investigative team in Western Washington. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). 

Also contributing to the investigation were Washington State Employment Security Division (ESD), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Seth Wilkinson of the Western District of Washington. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs is assisting.


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