Prosecuting Attorney's Office faces lawyer shortage

PASCO — The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking recruits to replace workers moving on to other jobs.

During a Tuesday, June 20 meeting, Franklin County Administrator Mike Gonzalez updated county commissioners on the status of staffing the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Gonzalez said the office is “losing employees” and that is seeking help on recruiting strategies.

“The system is imploding” he said, describing the struggle to find candidates to fill attorney positions.

According to Gonzalez, at least three attorneys in the office are moving to the private sector.

He expressed concern there is “not enough money” to motivate candidates to apply for the openings.

Prosecuting Attorney Shawn Sant spoke briefly on the issue during the meeting.

Sant confirmed some “people are taking other opportunities.”

“We will be at 50% in July,” he said of attorney staffing levels for the county.

Despite the lawyer shortage, his office will continue focusing on criminal prosecution, but there may be delays for other issues the office handles, he said.