Michael Haas is under investigation and trying to run out the clock before voters can learn about it.
The Jefferson County Prosecutor has been facing an ethics investigation by the Washington State Bar Association. We previously reported that the investigation centers on actions by Haas to use the powers of his office to favor a former private practice client and to obstruct the prosecution of a relative facing criminal charges. We have learned that our local newspapers have known about the investigation. But only the Port Townsend Free Press has reported that the chief prosecutor of Jefferson County is facing significant ethics charges.
In one of the complaints, Haas is alleged to have ordered a prosecutor to dismiss charges against a relative. That prosecutor refused. Haas then intervened to dismiss the charges himself. This is a very serious charge, if true.
The bar association’s disciplinary counsel is charged with policing unethical conduct by lawyers, including those in public office. If the charges are sustained, Haas could face a range of discipline from fines and supervision to suspension of his license to disbarment. Referrals for criminal prosecution are also possible if the facts warrant.
We filed a public records request on September 3 for any public documents showing Haas to be under investigation. It was a narrow request, limited by time and subject matter. But Haas has delayed providing the responsive documents, thus denying voters information they should have in making the decision whether he deserves another term in office.
After several delays excused by a boiler plate claimed need for additional time, we were informed of yet another delay. This time the excuse was that a special prosecutor had been appointed to review our request. Then on October 17 we were informed of yet another delay.
The latest excuse was to give individuals named in the public records the opportunity to file any objections in the Jefferson County Superior Court to release of public records. No further information would be provided until October 31, at the earliest.
That is a mere week before the close of voting, and well after many voters have cast their ballots by mail.
While bar association investigations normally occur away from the public’s scrutiny until a ruling is made, in this case the issue concerns apparent abuses of the powers of the prosecutor’s office by the incumbent Haas. Instead of hiding the ball from voters until the clock runs out, Haas, who has pledged transparency, could have revealed long ago that he was under investigation and stated his defense to the charges.
Haas has not answered our questions about whether he is under investigation and why. But our independent inquiries have answered those questions and provided what information we can obtain at this point.
Under a Washington Supreme Court rule, the investigation has been put on hold but will resume after the election.
If any other efforts are made to conceal information in public documents, Port Townsend Free Press will be in court fighting for the public’s right to know what their elected officials are doing with the powers and authority granted them by voters. Unfortunately, that will mean taxpayers footing the legal bill to keep voters less than fully informed.
Our earlier report: Michael Haas Faces Bar Association Investigation
Jim Scarantino was the editor and founder of Port Townsend Free Press. He is happy in his new role as just a contributor writing on topics of concern to him. He spent the first 25 years of his professional life as a trial attorney, then launched an online investigative news website that broke several national stories. He is also the author of three crime novels. He resides in Jefferson County. See our “About” page for more information.
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