More than 50 prosecutors, support, and victim services staff have quit amid “smash-and-grab” crime wave
LOS ANGELES—Amidst a wave of “smash-and-grab” robberies and other crimes, a former prosecutor is claiming that more than 50 prosecutors, support, and victim services staff have quit their jobs over San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s progressive criminal justice reform policies.
“The office is imploding,” said the source, who produced a list of those who’ve left their jobs since Boudin was sworn into office on Jan. 10 last year.
“Not all of them quit, but most of them quit. Some were fired,” said the source, who requested anonymity out of a fear of reprisal. “The list isn’t up to date. I think more have left.”
Boudin fired seven prosecutors his second day on the job.
Another former investigative supervisor sued Boudin for wrongful termination last month, claiming retaliation for calling out “improper and unlawful actions” by two prosecutors.
Boudin’s office hasn’t responded to inquiries.
The source also cited a Sept. 24 Superior Court hearing at which Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan raised concerns about actions taken in the district attorney’s office.
“For what it’s worth, let me say a few things, maybe with the forlorn hope that someone in the DA’s office might pay attention,” Chan said.
Court transcripts quote Chan saying he “wholeheartedly” supports Boudin’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system, but said, “I cannot express in any more certain terms my disapproval of the manner in which the Office of the District Attorney is being managed.”
“We simply cannot have the current levels of inadvertence, disorganization, and expect there to be any public confidence in what we do here collectively.”
Chan criticized the “constant turnover” in the office and said, “I hope that people in the District Attorney’s office will shift their focus from some of the bigger issues and concern themselves with the unglamorous yet necessary work of public prosecution.”
The former prosecutor agreed with Judge Chan’s comments in the hearing and accused Boudin of trying to downplay increased crime statistics.
“That’s the thing that’s really frustrating is that they know it’s worse. They know it, and they’re lying,” the source claimed.
By Brad Jones
