Mark Tracy, a former assistant prosecutor in Missouri’s Callaway and Cass Counties and currently an associate professor of business and law at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, has been presenting lectures to Japanese prosecutors on jury selection. Even under Japan’s post-World War II constitution, which was imposed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the country does not have trials by jury. Interestingly, Japan’s conviction rate is 99.98 percent.

After serving seven-and-a-half years (1997-2004) as prosecuting attorney of Missouri’s Carroll County, Kevin Walden was elected associate circuit judge for Carroll County, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Robert Bryant, himself a former Carroll County prosecuting attorney (1967-1990). As he contemplated his new career, he left some thoughts and advice for his former prosecutor colleagues. These are some of his remarks, from the Missouri Prosecutor newsletter.

“It has only been as I have tried to wrap things up in the prosecutor’s office that I truly came to know and appreciate the special role the prosecutor plays, not only in the criminal justice system, but in the community as a whole. It seems we keep so busy fighting the fight that we forget how important it is that we are there to fight at all. I will always have a special place in my heart for the time I spent along my fellow prosecutors and hope that I get the opportunity to work with as many prosecutors as possible from this perspective.

“Surround yourself with as many people smarter than you as you can. Take advantage of your more experienced colleagues and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let the defense lawyers push you into something you’re not comfortable with. Research and consider their arguments before backing down. Be practical about your cases and don’t waste valuable resources pushing for a resolution that won’t make any difference to (the) victims or your community. Do your best to work with the county commission and the county clerk. Life will be much easier.”

Four new prosecuting attorneys have been named in Indiana. Jason Mount is the new PA in Scott County, succeeding Roger Duvall, who left to become a part-time prosecutor in Washington County. Julie Ann Havens is the new PA in Starke County, succeeding Kim Hall. In Putnam County, Timothy Bookwalter has been appointed PA to succeed Matt Headley, who was elected to the county circuit court bench. In Clay County, Lee Reberger is the new PA of Clay County, succeeding David Thomas, who has been appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to be the state’s first inspector general. The Indiana prosecuting attorneys were selected by political caucuses in their jurisdictions.

Charles J. (Joe) Hynes, DA of Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, has been named Prosecutor of the Year by the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. Hynes, one of New York State’s veteran and best-known DAs, as well as a national figure in prosecution, is a member of NDAA’s Board of Directors. He was cited for his “many years of service and dedication, outstanding record… and his overwhelming assistance to district attorneys throughout the state.” One of Hynes’s former Brooklyn colleagues when they were both ADAs, Barry Krischer, now state attorney of Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach) recalls that Joe Hynes has always been an outstanding prosecutor. Now both are members of the NDAA board. Krischer says, “I’ve followed Joe’s career and have always admired him, especially what he did last year in investigating some very powerful politicians (in a probe of New York’s judge selection system). He’s got a lot of courage, making decisions of conscience without regard to the consequences, which is something we should all aspire to.”

New State Association Officers

In Missouri, Robert G. Wilkins, prosecuting attorney of Jefferson County, is the new president of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. John Kay, prosecuting attorney of Moniteau County, is the new vice president.

In Oregon, Bob Hermann, DA of Washington County, is the new president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association. Scott Heiser of Benton County was elected vice president.

Robert Dittrich, prosecuting attorney of Arkansas’s 11th Judicial District-East (Stuttgart), is the new president of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association. David Gibbons, of the Fifth Judicial District (Russellville), was elected vice president, and Chris C. Raff of the 17th Judicial District (Searcy), was re-elected NDAA state director.

Deaths

Christopher Raynes, prosecuting attorney of Missouri’s Grundy County, died earlier this year. Jason Spillman was appointed interim prosecuting attorney.

Former Santa Cruz (California) DA Peter Chang, Jr., died of lung cancer. When he was elected DA in 1966 at 29, he was the youngest person ever elected to the office and the first Santa Cruz County Asian-American DA. During his two terms he successfully prosecuted three notorious mass murderers. After losing his bid for a superior court seat in 1974, he practiced criminal defense law, mostly in the U.S. District Court in San Jose.

Richard O. “Dick” Regnier, 75, former prosecuting attorney of Tipton County, Indiana died after an extended illness. During his 50-year legal career, Tipton served as deputy prosecuting attorney before his election as prosecuting attorney and later served in the state legislature from 1980 through 1986.

Word has been received of the death of Judge Everett Burton in Portsmouth, Ohio. Before his election to the Portsmouth Municipal Court and later to the Common Pleas Court of Scioto County, he served for 23 years as prosecuting attorney of Scioto County.