Grant County deputy prosecutor joins U.S. Attorney’s Office
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 1 month AGO
SPOKANE — Grant County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Carlee Bittle has been named a special assistant U.S. attorney for Eastern Washington, according to an announcement from Grant County Prosecutor Kevin McCrae and U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref.
As a SAUSA, Bittle will prosecute cases in both state and federal court, focusing primarily on crimes against children, the announcement said.
“As a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and a SAUSA, Carlee Bittle will have the ability to rely on both federal and state laws to prosecute those who commit crimes against our children, allowing us to better protect children and achieve justice on behalf of children who are harmed,” McCrae wrote in the announcement.
Both McCrae and Waldref commended Bittle’s commitment and dedication to public service. Bittle has served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Grant County since July of 2017, according to the announcement. She is primarily responsible for the prosecution of Special Assault Unit cases. The SAU prosecutes sex offenses, crimes against children and crimes of domestic violence.
“We will continue to prosecute the area’s most dangerous criminals to the fullest extent,” Waldref wrote. “Today’s announcement should serve as yet another signal to those who victimize children that such crimes will not be tolerated in our communities.”
In the announcement, Bittle expressed her continued desire to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
“I’m excited to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, while also continuing my work as a state prosecutor in Grant County,” she wrote in the announcement. “It is an honor to work with the talented state and federal investigators, who devote their careers to protecting young children from physical and sexual abuse. Through combined state and federal efforts, we can make Grant County a safer place to live, work and raise our families.”
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.