District Attorney briefs commissioners on trials, child‑abuse cases and a planned deflection program

District Attorney Kevin Kelly told the board that his office has been busy with recent jury trials and violent‑crime cases and described steps to expand alternatives to prosecution for eligible first‑time drug offenders.

Kelly reported two jury trials in February (one resulting in a prison sentence) and described resolved child abuse cases and a recent arrest by the Port Orford Police Department on multiple counts of attempted murder related to a shooting at Buffington Park; charges were filed and the suspect is in custody. He also noted a murder case scheduled for trial in September and additional child abuse matters pending.

Kelly outlined staffing at the DA’s office (a half‑time prosecutor, office manager, legal assistant, grant‑funded victim assistance director and half‑time victim advocate) and said the office is actively recruiting two full‑time prosecutors and an investigator.

He described participating in a work group with ADAPT, the Oregon Health Authority, probation/parole, and local partners to form a substance‑abuse deflection program that allows eligible first‑time drug offenders to receive treatment before charges are filed as an alternative to prosecution. Kelly said the program would start small with the intention to scale up if successful.

Kelly closed by thanking public safety partners and invited commissioners and residents to reach out to his office with questions.