D.A. Keitz will seek reelection
By Brian Wilkinson, Sierra Star (Oakhurst, Calif.) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In a prepared statement Keitz said he was optimistic about the future, although the recent recession, countywide budget cutbacks, and the early release of inmates through prison realignment had brought unprecedented challenges to his office.
"Crime did not go down during the recent economic recession, in fact, it went up significantly," Keitz said. "In this time of ever increasing serious crime, my experience and track record make me uniquely qualified to serve as the District Attorney and seek justice for the people of
Keitz started his career in law enforcement in 1980 when he became a
"That's a very valuable perspective to have when you are a prosecutor. To see crime first hand and know what law enforcement is faced with everyday," Keitz said.
Keitz became a county deputy district attorney in 1992, and was appointed district attorney by the
"That's a total of 34 years of experience in law enforcement, with 19 years as a reserve deputy sheriff with
Keitz said his accomplishments and track record as a prosecutor have enabled him to be endorsed by the author of the Three Strikes legislation
He said his office handles between 8,500 and 10,000 cases per year, with fewer than average number of office personnel and attorneys.
"The number of prosecutions and length of sentences are way up," Keitz said.
"Given the fiscal limitations, the decisions on which cases to plea bargain or which to take to trial are difficult," Keitz said.
"In my first year as DA in 2009, this office conducted 26 jury trials. In 2013, we did 60 jury trials," he said. "However, the number of homicides, violent crimes and gang crimes are also up, with 20 pending homicide cases at present."
He said it takes an enormous amount of time, effort, and experience to prepare and resolve a homicide case.
"Nevertheless, we are addressing them and have had outstanding successes resulting in long prison sentences," Keitz said. "There are still a number of things we need to do -- beefing up the homicide and a gang prosecution team is a major priority. 70% of all crime is drug related. Combating the drug environment is a difficult challenge, particularly when thanks to prison realignment -- state prison time isn't an option, and drug treatment programs are so limited."
Keitz said the high number of homicides greatly affects the resources available within the office.
"It takes an enormous amount of time, effort, and experience to prepare and resolve a homicide case," Keitz said. "Nevertheless, we are addressing them and have had outstanding successes resulting in long prison sentences."
"To combat this we sought and obtained a
Keitz said realignment of offenders from state prisoners to local facilities or early release has also contributed to the increase in local crime and put local offenders back on
Keitz is pleased with the significant length of prison sentences given for other violent felonies like domestic violence, sexual assault, and animal abusers, and said many have received lengthy prison terms as high as 15, 25, 96 years and life without parole.
"I started as the DA at a time when budgets were very tight and this particular office has always been understaffed for attorneys, clerical staff and investigators," Keitz said. "All things considered I think we are doing pretty well with the just over
According to Keitz, other district attorney's offices with a similar volume of cases typically have a staff of 21 to 22 deputy district attorneys and 12 investigators.
"The Madera DA's office has been functioning with 16 attorneys, and just two investigators," Keitz said. "A typical case load per deputy district attorney would be 350 cases per year, while
"With the
Grand jury critical
In April, 2013 the
In its report, the grand jury also stated that the
The grand jury recommended that the DA's office review internal jail crime reports and increase the number of prosecutions.
"The district attorney has and will continue to review crime reports submitted by the jail," Keitz stated in a letter to Judge
Law suits
While in office, Keitz has been the defendant in civil suits by three former employees alleging discrimination and retaliation. It has been reported that the suits cost the county
Keitz said he and the county both denied any wrongdoing.
"Two of the lawsuits were settled, without admission of liability for
Keitz said we live in a very litigious society where lawsuits are common, which is why the county carries liability insurance.
"There have been numerous actions filed against managers, department heads, and other elected officials of
Rowley Report
Keitz also received criticism last year for suing the county to keep sealed a report outlining how he interacts with his staff, although
Keitz sued the
Oakley ruled the report, known as the "Rowley Report," was protected by attorney-client privilege and would remain confidential. Rowley is known as an expert in workplace disputes and has performed about 175 investigations for private and public employers.
An attorney for the county felt at the time that the county owned the privilege, not Keitz, because the county hired Rowley.
Oakley ruled that Keitz and the county were both protected by attorney-client privilege and the report was exempt from public disclosure through the California Public Records Act.
Keitz declined to address his critics saying they were politically motivated and it wasn't productive.
"It is easy for people to disagree when they are less then fully informed, don't know the law, and are not the ones having to make decisions considering the limitations under which I have to run the district attorney's office," Keitz said. "I make decisions based on the facts and what I believe represent the best interests of the people of
"It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of
The last day for anyone to file a declaration of candidacy for any county office is
Chamber hosts two candidate nights
The event for the sheriff and district attorney candidates will be held
District attorney candidates are incumbent
The second candidate's night will be
This candidate's night will feature the two candidates for
County office incumbents who are running unopposed at this time are County Clerk
The Declaration of Candidacy period ends
Moderator for the two events will be
Democrats to host Keitz -- Linn debate
Prior to the chamber's first event, the
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