2019 General Election Preview: Carbon County District Attorney

Two candidates are on the ballot for the four-year term of Carbon County District Attorney. Jean A. Engler, a Democrat, is the incumbent. She is being challenged by attorney Michael Greek. A look at the race:

Jean A. Engler

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Carbon County and attended Villanova University for both my undergraduate and law degrees. In 1989, I become an Assistant district attorney, and in 2015, I was the first woman ever elected to the office. In my 30-year career, I have prosecuted thousands of cases including first-degree murders, rapes and child sexual assaults which resulted in convictions at jury trials. I am proud of the accomplishments of my office.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: To keep Carbon County safe and obtain an appropriate disposition in every case; to continue to serve on veterans and drug courts assisting individuals dealing with addiction; to attempt to find alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases to alleviate our prison population, while keeping the public safe; to continue finding new ways to address the drug crisis with input from treatment professionals and citizens; to continue community outreach, with crime watch and other citizens’ groups.

Q: What do you think needs to be done to cut down on repeat offenders coming the through the court system?

A: First, assure an adequate and appropriate sentence is imposed. Second, inform a released inmate of programs such as the Carbon County Re-entry Coalition, of which I am a member. I believe the greatest emphasis should be placed on requiring employment, to give individuals a sense of purpose. Approximately 95% of incarcerated persons are unemployed at the time of arrest. Finally, allow increased accessibility to drug and alcohol as well as mental health services.

Q: Do you favor prosecuting drug dealers whose actions result in death?

A: Yes, I support these prosecutions in appropriate cases. However, these are often challenging cases if there are no witnesses, confessions or other corroborating evidence. Further, the prosecution must prove the death was caused by delivery of a specific drug from a specific person. These are problems I have personally encountered over the years. In some cases, if my office is unable to charge a drug delivery resulting in death, we charge a drug delivery.

Q: What are your thoughts on plea bargains which are often criticized by victims and arresting officers as too lenient?

A: The best way to prevent criticism of a plea agreement is to allow the victim and the officer to be part of the decision-making process. I am vigilant in checking that a victim and officer have “signed off” on every agreement. When there are problems in a case including evidentiary issues or uncooperative witnesses which prevent us from attaining more serious charges or a longer sentence, those facts should be explained to the victim.

Michael S. Greek

Background: Graduate of Panther Valley High School; King’s College; Widener School of Law. Enlisted in United States Army, attended OCS, commissioned as second lieutenant. Tank Platoon Leader, 1st Cavalry Division, achieved rank of captain before discharge. In 1997 opened a law practice and served as assistant district attorney for the past 20 years, four as first assistant solicitor for many municipalities, provided wills through Carbon County Aging Office, and free legal services to nonprofits and community organizations.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected to office?

A: Reduce the current case backlog through major changes in scheduling practices and by resolving minor cases at the magistrate level while prosecuting the toughest cases. Change culture of the office by assuming an active caseload and enabling assistants with the discretion to handle cases with a victim-centered public safety approach. Fighting the opioid crisis through early intervention and the proper use of specialty courts. Renew a commitment to public safety through community outreach programs.

Q: What do you think needs to be done to cut down on repeat offenders coming through the court system?

A: The biggest common factor driving crime is addiction which must be addressed at several levels including prevention, education, identifying and referring individuals before entering the system and diverting low level offenders to treatment. We must work with other agencies to stop the flow of drugs into our area, aggressively prosecuting high level dealers and be involved at both the local and state level to address this multifaceted issue that creates the repeat offenders.

Q: Do you favor prosecuting drug dealers whose actions result in death?

A: Yes, but it’s one of the most difficult to prosecute. Many victims in overdose cases are multi-substance abusers with compromised overall health that impacts the determination of actual cause of death. The DA should be involved early in the investigation. As district attorney I will be “hands-on” with investigating officers, providing clear guidance to ensure a successful outcome and work with the medical examiner and toxicologist to establish a prosecutable cause of death.

Q: What are your thoughts on plea bargains which are often criticized by victims and arresting officers as too lenient?

A: Many factors go into a decision for plea agreements including evidentiary issues, credibility of witnesses and the likelihood of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt to 12 unanimous jurors. While the prosecutor ultimately decides the terms and conditions of the plea, the victim and arresting officer have significant consideration and input before the decision is reached. I always take considerable time to speak to victims and arresting officers about plea negotiations.