Prosecutor Tracy will seek fifth term

Whitman County Prosecutor Denis Tracy has announced that he will seek re-election. Tracy first took office in 2003 after he ran unopposed in the 2002 general election. He will seek a fifth term this year.

“I and my staff have prosecuted all kinds of crime, from littering to murder and most everything in-between. But whatever the case, our goal is to be both effective and efficient, while keeping public safety and assistance to crime victims our top priority,” he said in his announcement.

Tracy oversees a staff of four deputy prosecutors and five support staff.

He noted he also worked to put together a county drug court which focuses on non-violent drug addicts. The drug court success stories have turned lives around for addicts who have become productive citizens. The process stops the cycle of drug use, crime, jail time and more drug use, Tracy noted.

Tracy has also developed a diversion program for first offenders on minor-in-possession of alcohol or marijuana for 18 to 20-year-olds.

The diversion program holds these young offenders accountable, with community service and education classes, while not costing the county for prosecution, defense, court and probation officer time. The offenders pay for the cost of the program.

The program diverts approximately 100 cases a year out of the local court system.

Tracy also serves as the civil attorney for the county and oversees the state’s efforts to enforce child-support orders.