Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

"I share the Governor’s frustration at the news of early prison releases.  I also extend my sympathies to all who have been affected.  When public safety is at stake, there is no excuse not to get it right.

"Today, the Department of Corrections released a December 7, 2012 email from an attorney in the Attorney General’s Office to a staff person at the Department of Corrections. This 2012 advice was deeply flawed and failed to emphasize the urgency of addressing this critical issue.    

"In response, I have directed my staff to:

  1. Conduct a thorough review of the internal processes that produced that advice and failed to raise such a critical issue to the highest levels of our office. 
  2. Review our records for any other relevant legal advice on this matter, dating back to 2002.
  3. Cooperate fully with the Governor’s independent review of this matter.

"These reviews are underway, and I will have further comment when they are complete."

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Contact:

Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov

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