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Resident alleges misconduct by Winlock municipal prosecutor, urges county action
Summary
Castle Rock resident Robert Johnson told commissioners he believed Winlock municipal prosecutor Eric Lanza discussed a case despite claiming recusal and alleged false statements by a witness; he urged Lewis County to participate in resolving the matter.
Robert Johnson of Castle Rock used public comment time on Jan. 14, 2025, to present allegations about the handling of a local municipal case in Winlock. Johnson said he met with Eric Lanza, identified in his remarks as municipal prosecutor, and alleged that Lanza had said he should recuse himself yet discussed case details with Johnson. "If a prosecutor is required to recuse themselves from a case ... and then proceeds to discuss the case details with you ... this constitutes serious ethical misconduct," Johnson said, urging the county to "get to the bottom of this."
Johnson also alleged that Winlock Police Department actions in the matter prompted an investigation by the Criminal Justice Training Commission in Burien and named "Randy Hollinger" as heading that inquiry. He said he had witnesses who would provide additional information. Johnson repeatedly framed his remarks as seeking justice for his granddaughter and ascribing false allegations to a person he identified as "Brandi Amoroso."
The statements were presented as citizen allegations; commissioners did not announce any formal county investigation at the meeting. The board accepted Johnson’s public comment under standard public‑comment procedures and did not take action on the allegations during the session.
