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

AG Ferguson announces the collection of DNA from more than 2,000 violent and sex offenders

Sunday, August 13, 2023

DNA kit used by KCSO
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced recently that his lawfully owed DNA project has reached a significant milestone, with more than 2,000 new profiles added to the national DNA database since the effort began.

Ferguson’s office is working with local law enforcement across Washington to collect DNA from sex offenders, violent offenders and individuals convicted of serious felonies who legally owe samples as part of their criminal convictions, but failed to provide them. The Attorney General’s Office does not have a direct role in collecting or testing sexual assault kits.

So far, 2,061 new profiles and counting have been added to the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, since the office launched the project in partnership with the Department of Justice. Of those profiles 76 resulted in a “hit,” meaning the offender’s profile matched DNA evidence already in the database.

These new “hits” can help identify perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders and other crimes in our state and around the country.

“Collecting the DNA of thousands of serious offenders will help us solve more cold cases,” Ferguson said. “This work makes communities safer and sends the message that we will use every tool at our disposal to bring justice to survivors and victims of these devastating crimes.”

Washington requires many offenders convicted of sex offenses and serious crimes to provide their DNA as a term of their conviction. Ferguson started the project nearly four years ago to collect DNA from violent and sex offenders in Washington who slipped through the system without complying with this requirement.

His office started by collecting samples from currently registered sex offenders and offenders under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections, including those who are incarcerated and in community custody.

Then the office collected DNA from offenders convicted of sex, kidnapping and homicide offenses.

Now, the office is working to collect samples from offenders convicted of a variety of violent and felony offenses, including assault and robbery.

The Attorney General’s Office estimates thousands of violent offenders are living in Washington with an obligation to provide their DNA sample.

More information here


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Newest Shoreline District Court judge Raul Martinez

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Judge Raul Martinez
Judge Martinez was appointed to the King County District Court bench in January 2023. 

His 21 years of diverse private and public sector legal experience includes working as a civil litigator representing a broad range of clients; a legal advisor and transactional attorney for corporate, small business and government clients; and a prosecutor in felony superior and appellate court cases. 

Judge Martinez also previously served as counsel in multiple law enforcement involved homicide inquest cases, including in the roles of special counsel to the Court and as an attorney in private practice. 

He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Seattle University School of Law in 2001. Judge Martinez is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Judge Martinez’s commitment to public service includes prior service on the Northwest Justice Project’s Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee; and the Latina/o Bar Association Board of Directors and Judicial Evaluation Committee, among many other local groups. 

He has also served as a volunteer coach for youth basketball and soccer in the Northshore area.

Judge Martinez has a deep understanding of the impacts of poverty, discrimination, addiction, mental health illness, and violence. His father is a Vietnam War veteran who suffered from and overcame PTSD and addiction. His mother is an immigrant who, despite hardship, modeled what it meant to be a community leader. 

In his earliest years, his family followed the West Coast crops, working as farmworkers, while living in migrant farmworker camps, before settling in Eastern Washington so that he and his siblings could get an education. During his youth, he saw violence, addiction, and discrimination firsthand. 

He is the first in his family to graduate from high school, college, and/or law school. His personal history informs his understanding of many who come before our courts today.


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Shoreline District Court Judge Karama H. Hawkins

Judge Karama Hawkins
Shoreline District Court
Judge Karama H. Hawkins was elected to the King County District Court bench in November 2022. 

Her prior judicial experience includes serving as a Judge Pro Tempore in a dozen district and municipal courts throughout Western Washington, including King County District Court since 2015. 

Judge Hawkins is assigned to the Shoreline Courthouse where she presides over a wide range of civil and criminal matters. 

Judge Hawkins presides over the Shoreline and Kenmore Community Court.

Judge Hawkins has extensive experience gained prior to joining the bench. She served as a Senior Associate with the Federal Way Public Defender’s Office from 2009-2013. 

In 2014 her law firm took over as the main public defender for Federal Way Municipal Court until August 2022. Judge Hawkins was honored with a Certificate of Recognition by the Washington Defender Association for her role in establishing the Federal Way Therapeutic Community Court. 

She served as a conflict public defender through the King County Department of Public Defense representing those accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses. She represented litigants in Contempt of Court and Protection Order proceedings in King County Superior Court. 

Judge Hawkins has provided over 100 hours of pro bono legal representation to indigent litigants in Municipal, District and Superior Court each year as a public service to her community. Judge Hawkins has served with various community organizations to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion, including the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission.

Judge Hawkins knows first-hand how empowerment can change lives. It was through empowerment that she was able to overcome adversity in her own life. As a single teen mother, she was able to come from a place of housing instability to joining the bench with the support of her family. 

Judge Hawkins earned an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree from North Seattle Community College (NSCC). She excelled at NSCC, serving as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and as Legislative and Collegiate Liaison for the NSCC Student Government. After her graduation from NSCC, Judge Hawkins was granted undergraduate admission to the University of Washington (UW). 

While attending UW, she worked her way through college and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) Degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Globalization and Social Change. Judge Hawkins was accepted into the University of Washington Law School in Seattle where she earned her Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree. While in law school she excelled in advocacy, competing nationally and locally in various Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions and receiving a number of merit-based scholarships.

Judge Hawkins worked throughout law school, serving as a Rule 9 legal intern with the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Department of Security and Emergency Management, where she drafted the SPU Open Space Ordinance. She served as a public defender in various King County courts and in the Children and Youth Advocacy Clinic representing children in Dependency cases.

Judge Hawkins’ judicial philosophy is to ensure that individuals in the court are treated with dignity, to require accountability and to serve with integrity. Her life experience informs this judicial philosophy. 

Judge Hawkins believes that the justice system should not be used as a weapon, but as a driving force for accepting responsibility and to facilitate positive change. She believes that it is critical to have judges who empower people to take control of their own lives and provide the tools to facilitate success.

Judge Hawkins is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of King County District Court – to provide an accessible forum for the fair, efficient and understandable resolution of civil and criminal case, and to maintain an atmosphere of respect and dignity for all individuals.


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Inslee appoints E. Rania Rampersad to King County Superior Court

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Judge E. Rania Rampersad,
King County Superior Court
Gov. Jay Inslee has announced the appointment of E. Rania Rampersad to the King County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Catherine Shaffer, who retired earlier this month.

Currently, Rampersad serves as a judge on the King County District Court, a position she has held since 2021. Before joining the bench, Rampersad worked as the director of Eleemosynary Legal Services, P.S., a nonprofit organization she founded in 2016. There, she maintained an appellate practice for indigent clients. 

Rampersad has also worked as a criminal defense attorney and as an assistant attorney general. She began her legal career in Washington as a law clerk to Washington State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen.

Rampersad is also involved in the King County community. She currently volunteers with various community organizations and has founded the Joint Minority Mentorship Program, a collaboration of bar associations that provide mentorship to law students from historically marginalized backgrounds. She has also served as president of the South Asian Bar Association of Washington and is the president-elect for the William L. Dwyer American Inn of Court.

“Judge Rampersad is heavily invested in improving the community through the practice of law,” said Inslee. “I’m pleased that she will bring her skills and passion for community service to the King County Superior Court bench.”

Rampersad earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. She earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.


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U.S. Attorney Nick Brown departs from U.S. Attorney’s Office

Sunday, July 2, 2023

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown
U.S. Attorney Nick Brown has resigned as United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington as of June 21, 2023.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, and humbled to have been selected by President Biden to serve in this important role. Building safe and healthy communities is one of the most important challenges we face as a state. 
"Leading the federal partners who work to keep our communities safe and learning from our community partners has reinforced for me the need to tackle these difficult challenges head on,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. 
“I hope to return to public service in the future, but I know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue its excellent work under the career attorneys and professional staff who assisted me during my time in office. I would like to thank each of them for entrusting me to lead this incredible team.”

During his years in office, U.S. Attorney Brown put an emphasis on protecting civil rights, addressing the fentanyl crisis, combatting gun crime, and empowering community voices in our public safety efforts.

Brown was selected in 2021 to chair the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights. The U.S. Attorney’s Office under Brown put a priority on preventing and prosecuting hate crimes, protecting the most vulnerable and members of marginalized communities.

U.S. Attorney Brown partnered with state and local officials to lead multiple prosecutions of the groups that bring drugs to our communities and use firearms as part of their criminal conduct. Under U.S. Attorney Brown, the office brought multiple cases regarding illegal trafficking in firearms and “ghost guns” – firearms that were manufactured without serial numbers.

Understanding that law enforcement is just one of the factors in fostering community safety, U.S. Attorney Brown testified before congress about the community partnerships supported by his officethat work to interdict gun violence and enhance reentry to the community by those who have been incarcerated. The office also engaged in new ways with a diverse group of community stakeholders.

Under Brown’s leadership the office pursued several initiatives, creating a new unit to combat cybercrime, pursuing a variety of fraud cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and prosecuting those involved in human trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Brown took the oath of office on October 8, 2021. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman will serve as the Acting U.S. Attorney. Her full biography is available here.

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Court keeps protective order in place for 32nd District lawmaker Rep. Lauren Davis

Thursday, June 29, 2023

By Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard

A domestic violence restraining order obtained by a 32nd District state lawmaker against her lobbyist ex-boyfriend will remain in effect under an appellate court ruling issued Monday.

Rep. Lauren Davis, a Democrat from Shoreline, obtained a five-year protection order in King County against lobbyist Cody Arledge in May 2022, citing what she said was an escalating pattern of obsessive and threatening behavior after she ended their relationship the prior year.

As a 32nd District lawmaker, Davis represents portions of Edmonds and Lynnwood, as well as Woodway and Mountlake Terrace.

Under terms of the no-contact order, Arledge cannot go within 1,000 feet of Davis’ home or her workplace, defined as the state Capitol and adjacent John L. O’Brien Building that houses state representatives’ offices, unless she is not at the Capitol.

In addition, he was required for one year to wear an ankle bracelet with GPS monitoring alerting authorities and Davis via a phone app if he violated those conditions. Last month, the requirement was renewed for a second year because he had violated the order.

Arledge sued, arguing a trial court abused its discretion in issuing the protective order and violated his constitutional rights in requiring around-the-clock electronic GPS monitoring. A three-member Division I Court of Appeals panel disagreed on both points.

“I have a deep sense of relief after an arduous, nearly two-year legal battle,” Davis said. 
“More than anything, I am incredibly heartened by what this decision means for other survivors. The act of seeking a protection order is so frequently a precursor to domestic homicide that it has a name – ‘retaliation violence’.”

David Donnan, Arledge’s attorney, said, “Obviously we are disappointed in the result.”

A decision on whether to appeal Monday’s decision hasn’t been made, he said, noting he is still reviewing the ruling’s detailed analysis.

A two-year legal fight

Davis represents the 32nd Legislative District which includes Shoreline, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. Arledge, a lobbyist, owns The Arledge Group.

Davis and Arledge met through work in 2018 and began a romantic relationship in 2019. She said she tried ending the relationship in 2020 and 2021, but due to a “pattern of control and manipulation,” she “return[ed] to the relationship,” according to court documents.

On Nov. 10, 2021, Davis petitioned for a protection order, alleging that she feared Arledge because his “stalking behavior has escalated substantially,” and he has “made threats of suicide in the past, has a severe substance use disorder, and has a number of firearms,” the ruling said.

In response, Arledge denied his conduct amounted to domestic violence. Arledge also contended the electronic monitoring violated his right to privacy as spelled out in the state and federal constitutions.

Justice Bill Bowman, who wrote Monday’s opinion, concluded that the monitoring imposed by the lower court did not tread on Arledge’s constitutional “right to privacy and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.”

“The electronic monitoring device passively records his location,” he wrote. “So, any intrusion into Arledge’s privacy is not permanent, and the degree of the intrusion is limited.”

A new law, authored by Davis, aims to strengthen Washington’s safety net for victims in domestic violence cases.

It contains provisions for crafting a model policy for the use of electronic monitoring, with victim notification technology, and establishing a research center at the University of Washington to identify the most effective strategies for preventing violence among intimate partners.

Davis said she hoped Monday’s decision “paves the way for the broader use of electronic monitoring in civil protection order cases.”

“This common-sense technology is life-saving for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” she said. “It has given me my life back and I am eternally grateful.”

Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Washington State Standard maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Bill Lucia for questions: info@washingtonstatestandard.com. Follow Washington State Standard on Facebook and Twitter.


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King County Bar Association names LFP resident as Outstanding Lawyer for 2022

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Russ Aoki of Lake Forest Park named Outstanding Lawyer
of 2022 by the King County Bar Association
Photo by Marcine Anderson
King County Bar Association held its 2023 Annual Awards Reception on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle.

The Annual Awards are presented by KCBA to recognize members and volunteers for their distinguished and meritorious service to the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public in a profession-related activity.

Named Outstanding Lawyer for 2022 was Lake Forest Park resident Russell M. Aoki.

Russ’s practice emphasizes criminal defense, personal injury claims, and business litigation. 

During his 34-year career Russ has served as judge pro tem, mediator, arbitrator, special master, special disciplinary counsel for WSBA and serves as a national coordinating discovery attorney for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Defender Services Office. 

In addition, he has held numerous leadership positions in multiple associations and was the Washington State Supreme Court appointee to the Office of Public Defense Advisory Committee for 12 years.
 


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Prolific Mail Thief indicted for nine federal felonies

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Postal van by Joel Moysuh on Unsplash.com
The suspect in a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was indicted on June 21, 2023 by a federal grand jury for nine federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Johny Mixayboua, 27, was arrested on a criminal complaint last month and is now charged with three counts of theft of government property, unlawful possession of a postal key, mail theft, possession of stolen mail, illegal transactions with a credit or debit card, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to records in the case, on December 28, 2022, a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was stolen from the 6300 block of South Bangor Street in Seattle. In the vehicle was a postal key that is used to access the cluster mailbox units in the 98178 zip code. 

The key allows the postal worker to open the back of the cluster box to deliver mail to multiple households. Since the theft of the vehicle and postal key, there have been numerous reports of cluster boxes in zip code 98178 being opened and mail stolen.

Working with neighbors, the Postal Inspection Service was able to get door camera footage showing the person accessing the postal boxes. Neighbors reported credit cards being stolen and attempts being made to use them. Inspectors were able to review images from when the credit card attempts occurred and ultimately identified Mixayboua as the person stealing the mail and attempting to use the stolen credit cards.

Additionally, local law enforcement determined that vehicles used in a number of the mail theft incidents were reported stolen.

On January 17, 2023, two more Postal Service vehicles were stolen. One in the 3000 block of Beach Drive SW and a second one in the 3600 block of 57th SW. Both are in zip code 98116. Using doorbell camera footage from the block where one of the vehicles was recovered, investigators allegedly saw Mixayboua removing mail and parcels from the stolen postal vehicle and putting them in another vehicle. 

Again, law enforcement traced credit cards stolen from the mail and obtained surveillance footage that appears to show Mixayboua attempting to make purchases with the credit cards.

On January 30, 2023, a fourth postal vehicle was stolen – this time from the 2000 block of S. Columbian Way in Seattle. On March 28, 2023, a fifth postal vehicle was stolen from the 5700 block of S. 129th Ave. 

One of the people associated with the theft matches a description of Mixayboua. In late January and February, the mail theft incidents continued -- this time in the Snoqualmie, Washington area. The cluster boxes were opened with either a counterfeit or authentic postal key. Again, credit cards were stolen, and one was linked to images of Mixayboua making purchases at Target.

Throughout April, mail thefts continued from as far north as Lake Forest Park, which has 21 cases of mail theft from locking mailboxes at apartment buildings, and as far south as southeast Seattle.

The postal service halted deliveries in zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.

Mixaboua apparently was living in a vehicle near a relative’s home. When he was arrested, law enforcement found a firearm that he threw into the bushes while attempting to run away and ammunition in the vehicle, resulting in the last two counts in the indictment. 

Mixayboua is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in King County for auto theft, possession of stolen property, and bail jumping.

Mail theft and possession of stolen mail are punishable by up to five years in prison. Theft of government property and unlawful possession of postal keys are punishable by up to ten years in prison. Illegal transactions on an access device, possession of ammunition, and being a felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) worked diligently to get Mixayboua into custody.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught.


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Update on Justice Department ’s ongoing efforts to tackle gun violence

Saturday, June 17, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – On June 14, 2023, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys.

Discussed were ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. 

These efforts include implementing the landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) passed by Congress and signed by the President last June; 
  • addressing the proliferation of untraceable and unlawful “ghost guns” that threaten public safety;
  • surging resources to federal, state, local, and Tribal law-enforcement partners on the front lines; and
  • adopting other common-sense reforms that keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Main topics 
  • Focusing U.S. Attorney Resources on Gun Crimes: During the meeting, the Attorney General reiterated his February 2022 direction to U.S Attorneys’ Offices to prioritize combating gun violence.
  • Expanding Background Checks: BSCA expanded background checks to include juvenile criminal and mental health records and local law enforcement contacts for prospective purchasers under the age of 21.
  • Narrowing the Boyfriend Loophole: BSCA also narrowed the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by expanding restrictions on firearm purchases by those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence to include those convicted of assault in a “dating relationship.”
  • Fighting Illegal Trafficking in Firearms: BSCA created new criminal offenses for unlawfully trafficking in firearms and for straw-purchasing a firearm on behalf of a prohibited person, and it expanded the definition of “engaging in the business” of dealing in firearms.
  • Funding Evidence-Based Interventions: grants that will fund state crisis intervention programs, such as drug, mental health, and veterans’ treatment programs. Grants to fund school-based violence prevention programs.
  • Cracking down on ghost guns
  • Enhancing Firearm and Ballistics Tracing Efforts
  • Holding Gun Dealers Who Violate the Law Accountable



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DOJ leaders meet in Seattle to discuss strategies to combat community violence

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown
Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown is hosting the Attorney General Advisory Committee’s Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee in Seattle this week to share what is working in communities across the country to combat gun crime and enhance community safety. 

The group will hear from a variety of speakers on community programs working to end the cycle of gun violence, particularly among youth. 

Additionally, the Director of DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhood program will lead discussions on the technical training and assistance available to support districts implementing anti-violence programs nationwide.

“This is an excellent opportunity to learn from other districts about strategies that are successfully promoting community safety,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. 
“We are also highlighting some of the community partnerships here in Western Washington that are working to get firearms away from those who shouldn’t have them. We’ll also spend time learning directly from community stakeholders about their perspectives on violence prevention.”

The King County Prosecutor’s Office will present about the Extreme Risk Protection Order program developed in Washington State. This “Red Flag” law has been a critical tool for getting firearms away from those with behavioral health or domestic violence issues or other violence risk factors. 

An Extreme Risk Protection Order (“ERPO”) was utilized in a federal case during the investigation of Atomwaffen leader Kaleb Cole. 

Cole had numerous firearms removed from his residence north of Seattle under the ERPO. The Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted Cole will present to the group about how the law was an important tool in the investigation that ultimately led to the federal prosecution and conviction for hate crimes.

The AGAC Violent and Organized Crime Subcommittee is led by United States Attorney Andrew Luger of Minnesota and the Vice-Chair is United States Attorney Jacqueline Romero of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

U.S. Attorneys or their representatives are attending from New York, Illinois, California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Maine, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Iowa.



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King County District Court simplifies small claims filing

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Shoreline District Courthouse, 18000 Meridian Ave N. Photo by Google

King County District Court has simplified the process for filing small claims.

To enhance access to justice, King County District Court has introduced an easier way for people to file a Small Claims case. Now, people seeking to recover money owed to them can answer a few simple questions online and have the necessary Notice of Small Claim form automatically generated and filed with the Court.

“Although people have been able to file a Small Claims case online in King County District Court for several years, this new method makes the process much easier,” says Judge Matthew York, King County District Court Chief Presiding Judge. 

“The ability to file a Small Claims case is a key judicial service District Court offers to help people resolve disputes. The guided online interview automates a process that can sometimes seem overwhelming to people who are not familiar with the law or the court system.”

About Small Claims in Washington State

Any individual, business, partnership or corporation (with a few exceptions) may bring a small claims action to recover money. A ‘natural person,’ meaning a human being, may file a claim up to $10,000; the limit is $5,000 in all other cases. 

Find additional details on the Washington State Courts Small Claims Court webpage.

Filing options for Small Claims

Small Claims cases can be filed in King County District Court in one of three ways:
  1. Online – Using the Court’s e-filing portal
  2. In-person – At any of eight King County District Court courthouse locations throughout the County, including in Shoreline
  3. By mail – To any of the eight King County District Court courthouse locations
Details on each filing method are available on the King County District Court Small Claims webpage.

About King County District Court

King County District Court’s 25 elected judges hear a range of civil and criminal cases at locations throughout the County. The Court is one of the busiest courts in Washington, and is a leader in many areas involving public safety and access to justice.


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Team from Western Washington honored for investigation and prosecution of major cybercrime group Fin7

Thursday, June 8, 2023


Russia and Ukraine based hacking organization caused billions in losses


Seattle – The Department of Justice investigative team, in a major cybercrime case which was pursued in the Western District of Washington, was honored with an Executive Office of U.S. Attorney’s Director’s award for Outstanding Litigative Team, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

The prosecutors, paralegals, and cyber investigators from the FBI broke up the hacking group Fin7. The award was presented in Washington DC.

“Investigating and prosecuting cybercrime is uniquely challenging –the offenders hide behind keyboards, often overseas, but can do untold billions of dollars in damage,” said U.S. Attorney Brown. 
“With Fin7, the tireless work by our team saw three of the defendants arrested and brought to the United States to face charges. All three have been held accountable with significant prison sentences. Fin7 as an entity is no more.”

Those recognized today with the Director’s Award include: 
  • Former Assistant United States Attorneys Frances Franze-Nakamura and Steven Masada, and DOJ Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh for their work prosecuting the case; 
  • Paralegals Anna Chang and Salee Porter for their critical work organizing records and discovery from companies, foreign governments, and law enforcement so that we could successfully petition for the extradition of the three defendants who were arrested while traveling in Germany, Spain, and Thailand; and 
  • FBI special agents Briana Neumiller and Stacy Muldoon, 
  • FBI computer scientist Waymon Ho, 
  • FBI operations specialist Zacharey Hansen, and 
  • FBI linguist Inna Dodge 
who all performed outstanding investigative and analytic work that was critical to the successful prosecution.

According to records filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, between 2015 and 2018, FIN7 members engaged in a highly sophisticated malware campaign to attack more than 100 U.S. companies, predominantly in the restaurant, gaming, and hospitality industries. 

FIN7 hacked into thousands of computer systems and stole millions of customer credit and debit card numbers which were used or sold for profit.

In the United States alone, FIN7 successfully breached the computer networks of businesses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, stealing more than 15 million customer card records from over 6,500 individual point-of-sale terminals at more than 3,600 separate business locations. 

Additional intrusions occurred abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. Companies that have publicly disclosed hacks attributable to FIN7 include such familiar chains as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chili’s, Arby’s, Red Robin and Jason’s Deli.


The Director’s Awards are awarded annually by the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys to recognize outstanding work by U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the United States.


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AG Ferguson defeats first attempt to block Washington’s ban on the sale of assault weapons

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Photo courtesy KCSO
SEATTLE — A federal judge today agreed with Attorney General Bob Ferguson and rejected an attempt to block Washington’s new law banning the sale of assault weapons.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Bryan rejected a request in Hartford et al v. Ferguson et al to grant a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of House Bill 1240

Judge Bryan is an appointee of President Ronald Reagan. Ferguson and Gov. Jay Inslee jointly requested the bill.

Ferguson first proposed a ban on the sale of assault weapons in 2017 in the wake of the 2016 mass shooting at a Mukilteo house party. The shooter used a military-style assault rifle and a high-capacity magazine. (See previous story)

This was the second time Inslee joined Ferguson to call for a ban on the sale of assault weapons.

The new law went into effect immediately after Inslee signed it on April 25. Legal challenges began the same day.

“We remain undefeated against the gun lobby in court,” Ferguson said. “This common-sense gun reform will save lives by restricting access to the preferred weapon of mass shooters.”

The new law prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons in Washington state while allowing reasonable exemptions for manufacture and sale to law enforcement and the military. The law does not prohibit the possession of assault weapons.

Washington is the tenth state to adopt similar legislation banning these weapons. Multiple federal courts upheld these public safety laws as constitutional.

Two other challenges to HB 1240 are pending, one in state court and one in federal court.

The Attorney General’s Office is undefeated in defending state law from attacks by the gun lobby:
  • Northwest School of Safety v. Ferguson: Plaintiffs including the Second Amendment Foundation challenge to Initiative 594, which required background checks on all gun sales.
  • Mitchell v. Atkins: Plaintiffs including the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation challenge to Initiative 1639, which restricted the sale of assault weapons to individuals over the age of 21, and imposed background check requirements.
  • Slone v. Washington: Plaintiffs including Gun Owners of America challenge to I-1639.
  • Silent Majority Foundation, et al. v. Jay Inslee, et al: Plaintiffs including the Silent Majority Foundation challenge to House Bill 1705, banning ghost guns.
The Attorney General’s Office has also successfully brought cases to enforce firearms safety laws:
  • State of Washington, et al., v. U.S. Department of State et, al: Defendants including Defense Distributed and the Second Amendment Foundation, sought to distribute 3D-printable gun files.
  • State of Washington v. Federal Way Discount Guns: Defendants represented initially by the Silent Majority Foundation sold high-capacity magazines in violation of Washington law.


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LFP Municipal Court Probation Officer Phil Stanley retirement

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Judge Portnoy (ret.), Phil Stanley, Judge Grant
After 19 years with the Lake Forest Park Municipal Court, Probation Officer Phil Stanley staffed his final review calendar on March 29, 2023. 

The court gathered to celebrate his final day. Special guests included Mr. Stanley’s wife, Tricia, and retired judge Linda Portnoy.

Mr. Stanley joined the court in 2004. Imminently overqualified for the position, he implored presiding judge Linda Portnoy to give him a shot. 

His impressive resume included 27 years with the Washington State Department of Corrections (WA DOC). 

Hired in 1973 as a Parole Officer, Mr. Stanley was promoted repeatedly within WA DOC. He served as the Prison Superintendent (1992-1997) and Regional Administrator (1997-2000) before heading across the country to become a Commissioner with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections where he reported to the Governor and Executive Council. He retired after three years and returned to the Pacific Northwest.

Not one to be idle, Mr. Stanley saw a newspaper ad for a part-time probation officer in Lake Forest Park. Having never supervised misdemeanant offenders, Mr. Stanley decided to round out his resume and apply for the position. 

Judge Portnoy brought him on board. In addition to the LFP job, Mr. Stanley served as the Director of the Chelan County Regional Justice Center in Wenatchee from 2007-2012, where he managed a $9 million annual budget and led the 90 employees operating the 308-bed facility.

Mr. Stanley brought his expertise to the LFP Court. He implemented an innovative pretrial supervision program, earned the respect of the probationers he supervised, and made sound recommendations to the court. 

Mr. Stanley worked for Judge Portnoy until her retirement in 2021. 

Judge Grant expressed her gratitude for Mr. Stanley’s steady presence during her first year as presiding judge and thanked him for his guidance in the selection of his successor, Charles Mitchell.

Since retiring, Mr. Stanley has been on a grand tour of the many beautiful parks in Utah. 


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Kenmore joins Shoreline Community Court, expanding innovative, problem-solving court services in North King County

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

KENMORE, Wash. – To build stronger and safer neighborhoods and help prevent repeat of criminal behavior, the City of Kenmore has partnered with King County District Court to join the Shoreline Community Court. 

The Shoreline / Kenmore Community Court is an alternative, problem-solving court that differs from traditional courts by seeking to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity. An accompanying resource center connects participants and community members to an array of services.

King County District Court Judge Karama H. Hawkins hears cases at the Shoreline / Kenmore Community Court on Tuesdays, 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

The community resource center, co-located with the Shoreline / Kenmore Community Court, connects court participants – and anyone else in the community – to services that will help address their needs and give them a chance to have a better outcome. 

The resource center is open on Tuesdays from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Shoreline City Hall and includes community partners that provide services such as healthcare/insurance, education, job training, behavioral health, substance use disorder help, and more. 

There is also a virtual resource center available online. The in-person and virtual resource center are open to everyone in the community – you do not need to be a community court participant to access the services. 

At the Kenmore branch of the King County Library, there is a computer reserved exclusively for the virtual resource center every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Community court participants are charged with low-level, quality of life crimes. Examples include disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, vehicle prowl and minor in possession. Driving-related cases are not currently eligible, and participants must not have any violent felony convictions in the last five years; any pending violent felony charges; or a sex offender history.

“Sometimes the traditional criminal justice system does not address the root causes of the criminal behavior,” said Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. 
“In the case of non-violent offenders with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, or other challenges, if we can step in and provide better assistance and access to more services that can help break the cycle, we can make Kenmore safer for everyone.”

Community members who would like to volunteer for the Kenmore / Shoreline Community Court and/or the resource center can contact volunteer@kenmorewa.gov or 425-398-8900.

More Information on King County District Court Shoreline/Kenmore Community Court webpage


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Inslee signs laws to protect reproductive health and gender-affirming care

Friday, April 28, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signs abortion and gender affirming care policies at a bill signing ceremony on the University of Washington campus in Seattle on April 27. Photo courtesy Governor's Office.

Washington’s nation-leading efforts to stem the attack on choice now include enhanced data privacy, shield laws for providers and patients, and reduced costs

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a multi-pronged attack on reproductive freedom nationwide. But states like Washington are fighting back to protect the right to abortion, gender-affirming care and other health freedoms.

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed five bills that will protect access to a common abortion medication; enhance data privacy for people who share their health information with third party apps; protect Washington patients and providers who may face legal threats from other states; protect providers’ licenses; and eliminate out-of-pocket costs to make abortion access more equitable.

“The right of choice is an issue of freedom,” Inslee said. “Health care must remain the providence of individual Washingtonians. These laws will keep the tentacles of oppressive and overreaching states out of Washington.”



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Shoreline man pleads guilty to possessing ammunition as part of an arsenal he possessed at downtown Seattle hotel

Friday, February 3, 2023

The Department of Justice announced that a 45-year-old Shoreline, Washington man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to unlawful possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney Nick Brown announced that Rustam Yusupov faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on May 2, 2023.

According to records filed in the case, Seattle Police Officers were called to a downtown Seattle hotel room on March 10, 2022, with reports of a distraught man asking the hotel staff for assistance. When the officers went to the hotel room, they noted that furnishings had been over-tuned, with the mattress moved to block the door. Police found two firearms in the room – including a “ghost gun,” -- a firearm without a serial number.

Due to his agitated state, Yusupov was transported for medical attention. As officers were preparing to leave the hotel, a staff member working in the garage alerted them to weapons he had seen in Yusupov’s car. 

In the car were multiple firearms – including two additional “ghost guns.” In all, police recovered:
  • FMK Firearms Model AR-1 Extreme 5.56 NATO caliber rifle.
  • Aero Precision Model X15 5.56 caliber pistol.
  • Ruger Model 5.7 5.7x28mm caliber pistol.
  • Ruger Model 18029 Precision 6.5mm Creedmoor/.308 Winchester Caliber rifle.
  • Kel-Tec Model Sub 2000 9x19mm caliber rifle.
  • A North American Arms Corp. Derringer .22 revolver.
  • Two Polymer80 9mm caliber pistols with no serial number.
  • A skeletonized AR-15 5.56 NATO caliber pistol with no serial number.
In the plea agreement Yusupov admits that he is the subject of a domestic violence protection order. He had been ordered by King County Superior Court to surrender all his weapons. In March 2020 and again in May 2021, Yusupov was ordered to surrender his firearms and had signed paperwork and informed law enforcement that he no longer possessed any firearms.

When officers searched Yusupov’s home, they recovered: 
  • two inert grenades; 
  • a container for 120mm rocket projectiles; 
  • hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunition (both handgun and rifle caliber), including 600 rounds of Israel Military Industries 5.56mm caliber ammunition; 
  • multiple handgun and rifle magazines (some loaded); 
  • assorted pistol slides; 
  • a ballistic vest with rifle plates; a bolt-action rifle; and 
  • assorted firearms accessories and firearms parts.
In the plea agreement Yusupov agrees to forfeit multiple firearms and ammunition to the government.

The case is being investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.



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Alleged French cybercriminal to appear in Seattle on indictment for conspiracy, computer intrusion, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

Friday, January 27, 2023

A member of the so-called “ShinyHunters Group,” the defendant was arrested in Morocco and extradited to the U.S.


Seattle – A 21-year-old French citizen from Epinal, France, will appear tomorrow January 27, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Seattle on a nine-count indictment alleging conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 

Sebastien Raoult aka Sezyo Kaizen, was arrested last year in Morocco and was extradited to the U.S. this week. Raoult and two co-conspirators were indicted by a grand jury sitting in the Western District of Washington on June 23, 2021. Raoult’s initial appearance will be at 2:00 PM in front of Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson.

“Too many bad actors believe they can illegally access proprietary information and personal financial information by hiding behind a keyboard,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 
“FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force and our experienced cyber unit is working diligently to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to victimize people, businesses,and industries in the Western District of Washington and around the world.”

According to the indictment, Raoult was a participant in a hacking group that dubbed itself the “ShinyHunters.” The conspirators allegedly hacked into protected computers of corporate entities for the theft of proprietary and corporate information. The group advertised sensitive stolen data for sale and sometimes threatened to leak or sell stolen sensitive files if the victim did not pay a ransom. Since early 2020, ShinyHunters Group has marketed and promoted data stolen from more than 60 companies in Washington State and elsewhere around the world.

According to the indictment, the conspirators created websites that appeared to be login pages belonging to legitimate businesses. The conspirators allegedly sent phishing emails to company employees that were designed to look like they came from legitimate businesses and contained links to those login pages. When victims provided their account sign-on credentials on those login pages, the conspirators obtained the victims’ credentials. Using the stolen credentials, the conspirators allegedly accessed protected computers with companies’ data.

The ShinyHunters maintained accounts on various dark web sites where they advertised stolen data for sale, including customer databases with personal and financial information. The conspirators also used social media accounts to direct potential buyers to the dark web marketplaces to purchase stolen data. Sometimes the conspirators alerted the media to their hacking or posted images on a victim website claiming credit for hacking the company.

Some of the victims of the ShinyHunters hacking were located in the Western District of Washington but others were located around the world. The victims range from tech companies, to an international stock trading company, to an apparel company, and a nutrition and fitness company. Millions of customer records were included in the stolen data.

In addition to the conspiracy counts, the wire fraud counts correspond to particular malicious emails to entities in the State of Washington and other transmissions involving the State of Washington. The three identity theft counts are for the use of other people’s log-in credentials to access victim company data.

In addition to Raoult, the indictment charges 23-year-old Gabriel Kimiaie-Asadi Bildstein aka “Kuroi” and “Gnostic Players,” of Tarbes, France, and 22-year-old Abdel-Hakim El Ahmadi aka “Zac” and “Jordan Keso” of Lyon, France.

The conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse charge is punishable by a maximum of ten years in prison. The conspiracy to commit wire fraud count is punishable by a maximum of 27 years in prison. Wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two-year prison term to follow any other prison sentence imposed in the case.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Seattle Cyber Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Miriam Hinman. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs is providing substantial assistance. The Department of Justice also appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by Moroccan and French authorities.



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Kenmore to join with Shoreline Community Court in 2023

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Shoreline Community Court in session
Photo by Jamie Holter
In 2023, the City of Kenmore will join with the City of Shoreline's Community Court. 

A community court is an alternative problem-solving court. It differs from traditional court by identifying and addressing the underlying challenges of court participants that may contribute to further criminal activity or charges. 

Its goal is to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and reduce recidivism through a rehabilitative approach.

A community resource center is an integral component of community court, and it is open to all members of the public in addition to community court participants. 

Kenmore residents are welcome to attend Shoreline's weekly community resource center to find out about services in our area (education, job training, legal, recovery, mental health, etc.) on Tuesdays from 1:30pm - 3:30pm, or visit the virtual resource center anytime.

See our previous article on the community court / resource center.



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Shoreline Community Resource Center returns to in-person operations

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Community Court in Session
Photo by Jamie Holter


King County District Court and City of Shoreline 
to host Grand Re-opening Event
December 6, 2022, at Shoreline City Hall

Shoreline, Wash. – November 22, 2022 – To enable convenient community access to a wide array of social services, King County District Court and the City of Shoreline are resuming in-person operation of the Shoreline Community Resource Center.

The Resource Center provides one-stop access to services such as healthcare/insurance, education, job training, behavioral health, substance use disorder help and more. Originally opened in January 2020, in conjunction with Community Court in Shoreline, the Resource Center was transitioned to a “virtual” model available online and by telephone throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Friendly volunteers photo by Jamie Holter

The Court and the City invite the public to a Grand Re-opening of the Shoreline Community Resource Center on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 1:30 – 3:30pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N

In addition to having access to nearly a dozen service providers, the public can receive a COVID-19 booster and flu shot voucher. Service providers anticipated at the Grand Re-opening event include:
  • Public Health Seattle-King County
  • Sound Integrated Health
  • King County Bar Association
  • King County Library System
  • Lifeline Phones
  • Shoreline Community College 
  • DSHS
  • Hopelink
  • Lake City Partners
  • Black Coffee NW
  • Disability Empowerment Center
After the Grand Re-opening, the Shoreline Community Resource Center will be open for in-person service every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:30pm at Shoreline City Hall. 

The Virtual Resource Center will continue to be available online and by phone during the same hours. The in-person and Virtual Resource Center are open to everyone in the community – you do not need to be a community court participant.

“Shoreline’s Community Resource Center provides much needed social services to Shoreline community members in one location,” stated Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully. 
“We hope that with its reopening for in-person services that more community members will take advantage of it and that it will help them get the services they need.”

“We are very pleased to return to in-person operations at the Community Resource Center, while continuing to offer the online and telephone option,” said Judge Matthew York, Chief Presiding Judge for King County District Court. 
“The remote efficiencies that we gained from COVID-19, combined with in-person opportunities, allow us to serve more people, more conveniently. It’s all about making services as widely available as possible to the people who need them, whether they are in the community court program or not.”

King County District Court and the City of Shoreline launched Community Court in Shoreline in 2020 to build stronger and safer neighborhoods and help prevent repeat of criminal behavior. The alternative, problem-solving court differs from traditional courts by seeking to identify and address the underlying challenges of court participants and connect them with services they need to improve their health and well-being.

Community court participants are charged with low-level, quality of life crimes. Examples include disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, vehicle prowl and minor in possession. Driving-related cases are not currently eligible, and participants must not have any violent felony convictions in the last five years; any pending violent felony charges; or a sex offender history.

Community members who would like to volunteer in the Shoreline Community Resource Center can contact Karra Wilson, Community Court Coordinator for King County District Court: 206-310-6572; karwilson@kingcounty.gov



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