[Vision2020] Update on arrest of nine year old

[Rosemary Huskey]

This self-satisfied popinjay appears to be a man whose eye is on the
electorate response while his face is covered with egg.  According to his
profile on the Prosecutor's home page Mr. McHugh is active in the community
and his church
<http://www.kcgov.us/departments/prosecutingattorney/mchugh.asp>  and
apparently the Republican party.  (He doesn't really bring any credit on any
of those institutions, does he? )  I'm wondering if he has any friends who
are honest enough to let him know he is a first class, self satisfied,
jackass?  If not, the public response (including People magazine
<http://www.people.com/article/nine-year-old-arrested-for-stealing-gum> )
might cause him the embarrassment he so richly.   

 

Rose Huskey

 

 

"KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho - On Friday, Post Falls Police Chief Scott Haug told
KHQ he was very surprised when an arrest warrant for a 9-year-old boy
<http://www.khq.com/story/27815431/9-year-old-boy-arrested-in-post-falls>
came across his desk. 

The warrant for the boy was issued because he failed to appear in court for
stealing a pack of gum. 

When KHQ spoke first spoke to Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Barry
McHugh, who issued the arrest warrant, he said he was not able to comment
because the case involves someone who is younger than 18-years-old. On
Monday however, McHugh issued the following statement about the arrest
warrant:

"Recently in a Juvenile Justice case involving a misdemeanor Petit Theft
charge, an arrest warrant was issued for a 9 year old juvenile. The case has
been sealed by the handling judge, so I cannot communicate substantive
details of the case. An arrest warrant can be issued by a judge at my
office's request, when accompanied by a police officer's affidavit, when a
child has missed scheduled court dates. In this situation unsuccessful
efforts had been made to enroll the child and the child's parent in a
diversion program, and subsequently the child and the child's parent missed
court dates. 

After reviewing the file today (Monday January 12, 2015) I have concluded
that my office's request to have an arrest warrant issued was a mistake
under the circumstances. At least one other viable option existed, which was
to seek a court-ordered child protection investigation. That investigation
would have resulted in information being available for the child's counsel,
the Court, and my office, in order to make a better-informed decision as to
the best course for the child. Knowing the child's age, the charged offense,
and other circumstances in the case, we should have attempted this other
option. I have reviewed the matter with my Chief Deputy, Criminal Chief
Deputy, and the handling deputy prosecutors, and have reiterated the
importance of a careful review of the underlying circumstances before
requesting an arrest warrant, especially in cases involving children. I
regret this having taken place and will do everything in my power to avoid
this type of mistake in the future." 

 

 

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