Cumberland County District Attorney Jackie Sartoris on the WCME Midcoast Morning Buzz

After noting that Maine is the only state in the nation without a public defender system, Cumberland County District Attorney Jackie Sartoris, on today’s WCME Midcoast Morning Buzz, joined other observers in saying that no one wants to take responsibility for Maine’s problem in finding court-appointed attorneys for those who need them.

She also aggressively criticised some defense attorneys who say the problem could be solved if prosecutors “would prosecute less”, saying “that is bunk.” Sartoris says Maine’s prosecution numbers have been down since the start of the pandemic and notes that some low-level criminal charges have been taken off the table and not prosecuted.

She says the problem will not be solved by dismissing cases and failing to protect public safety.

The full interview is here.