Governor Tina Kotek announced on Thursday the termination of Jessica Kampfe, who has been leading Oregon’s public defense system, which has faced significant challenges.
Kampfe had served as the executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission since 2022 and previously ran Multnomah Defenders Inc., a nonprofit law firm delivering defense attorneys in Portland.
Kotek highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is unacceptable that more than 4,000 defendants in Oregon do not have attorneys assigned.”
The Governor emphasized that the public defense crisis poses an immediate threat to public safety while also delaying justice for victims.
In light of Kampfe’s firing, Kotek appointed Ken Sanchagrin, the head of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, as the interim director of the Public Defense Commission.
Kampfe did not provide a comment following her dismissal.
Jennifer Nash, Chair of the Public Defense Commission, responded to the shakeup, asserting it is not her position to question the governor’s decision.
She expressed a commitment to work collaboratively with Sanchagrin, stating, “From the commission’s perspective and I know the governor’s perspective, even one day longer is too long for people not to have attorneys. We’re committed to solving the problem as quickly as possible and we’ll do everything we can to adhere to the timelines that she has requested.”
Kotek has outlined her expectations for the agency, including the necessity of establishing a “clear timeline” by June 1 for resolving the unrepresented defendant crisis in Oregon.
She directed the agency to focus on the six counties where the issue is particularly severe and called for increased transparency concerning the agency’s financial expenditures.
In previous months, a state lawmaker, serving as a non-voting member of the public defense commission, expressed his diminishing confidence in Kampfe’s ability to resolve the backlog of criminal defendants lacking public defenders.
Rep. Paul Evans, a moderate Democrat from Monmouth, stated to The Oregonian/OregonLive that leadership issues are central to the failure in reducing the number of unrepresented defendants.
Following Kotek’s announcement, Evans stated in an email that the governor “made the right call” by firing Kampfe.
He added, “She provided sufficient time for Ms. Kampfe to demonstrate her abilities and acted when it became clear more is/was required for meeting our Constitutional duties.”
Evans reiterated the commitment needed from the state to tackle the high number of unrepresented defendants, emphasizing the requirement for a renewed sense of urgency.
The public defense agency has a tumultuous history with its leadership.
Kampfe succeeded Stephen Singer, the previous director, who faced a contentious relationship with Oregon’s former chief justice before being dismissed from his position.
The director of the agency answers to a commission appointed by the governor, responsible for financing attorneys representing indigent defendants.
These services are provided through nonprofit law firms like Metropolitan Public Defender in Portland and independent lawyers who take on public defense cases.
Despite substantial financial investments from the Legislature aimed at improving Oregon’s public defense system, the number of unrepresented defendants remains alarmingly high.
Current state data indicates approximately 4,000 people accused of crimes are without legal representation.
Sanchagrin, who has led the Criminal Justice Commission since 2020, brings experience from his previous role as the director of research, focusing on criminal justice topics such as sentencing and recidivism.
He holds a law degree from Michigan State University.
In response to Sanchagrin’s appointment, House Republican Leader Christine Drazan referred to it as a “welcome pivot toward competency from an administration marred in scandal and chaos.”
She emphasized that Sanchagrin must lead the Public Defense Commission with integrity, particularly prioritizing the backlog of over 4,000 Oregonians whose constitutional right to fair and speedy trials has been compromised.
John Wentworth, president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association, also expressed support for the leadership overhaul, asserting that Sanchagrin is “the right person to save this sinking ship.”
He stated, “He will provide immediate accountability and results for one of the most important services this state is constitutionally charged to provide – attorneys for indigent defendants who need counsel.”
This change in leadership, according to Wentworth, is a significant and necessary move by Governor Kotek.
Additionally, Kotek’s office announced that Ryan Keck, the deputy director at the Criminal Justice Commission, will interim lead that agency.
image source from：http://www.chronline.com/stories/embattled-oregon-public-defense-director-fired,379027
