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Kevin Barton says the number one goal of the DA’s Office is to keep people safe.  The office and its staff do this by prosecuting dangerous offenders, holding criminals accountable, looking for the root causes of crime, and protecting vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

The Washington County DA’s Office, with 41 attorneys and a total staff of 125, is the second largest in the State of Oregon.  In 2018, 8400 cases were filed resulting in 300 trials.  In total, 11,700 victims were served and $5.8 million ordered in restitution.  The Office also collected over $32 million in court-ordered child support.

District Attorney Barton rarely gets to follow-up on cases argued by his office, but one case in-particular stays with him.  Several years ago the sexual assault case of a 13-year-old was at trial and the victim, who was to testify, disappeared from the court room just before taking the stand.  Mr. Barton spent several anxious minutes talking with her, ultimately convincing her why she should take the stand.  Fast forward to a few months ago when the young woman contacted him with an update on her situation.  The 18-year-old woman, who is now a student at Portland Community College, told Kevin that she wants to become a prosecuting attorney.  Such validation, although rare, serves to further cement the reason Kevin does what he does.  “Seeking justice,” he commented, “means doing the right thing for the right reason.”

Kevin Barton began his four-year term of office in July 2018.  He is a graduate of Gonzaga University and Notre Dame Law School.  He serves on several non-profit boards including CARES Northwest and the Washington County Family Justice Center.  He grew up in Lake Oswego and lives with his family in Sherwood.