July 2012 newsletter

ON THE RECORD
July
NEWS from Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist
2012
Steven Powell Sentenced to 30 Months for Voyeurism
On June 15, Steven Powell, 62, was sentenced to 30 months in prison,
an exceptional sentence beyond the standard range, for taking photographs of two young neighbor girls in their bathroom and in various
stages of undress. A jury found the defendant guilty of 14 counts of
Voyeurism.
DPAs Grant Blinn and Bryce Nelson
confer during the Powell sentencing.
Deputy prosecutors Grant Blinn and Bryce Nelson argued for an
exceptional sentence of 10 years. The legal basis for the exceptional
sentence was the multiple offenses against the two victims. “We’re
pleased that the judge agreed with us that an exceptional sentence was
called for in this case,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “While we recommended a longer sentence than was imposed, the important thing is that
Mr. Powell has been held accountable for his crimes in Pierce County.”
The charges were based on images of two girls discovered during a search of the defendant’s residence
as part of the homicide investigation regarding Susan Powell. The defendant is the father of Josh Powell, who is presumed to have murdered Susan Powell in Utah in 2009. Josh Powell was never arrested or
charged. On February 5, 2012, he killed himself and his two young sons when he burned down his
rented home in Graham.
Elder Abuse Awareness
Steven Powell Sentenced to 30 Months
for Voyeurism
Elder Abuse
Awareness
Farewell to Ron
Williams
Community
Prosecutor Mark Lindquist and Financial Elder Abuse DPA Erika
Nohavec promoted Elder Abuse Awareness month by giving a
series of presentations to local care providers and ombudsmen.
Involvement
Recently two women employed as caregivers were charged in
separate cases. Andrea Henegar, 35, was charged with multiple
counts of theft and identity theft for writing 86 fraudulent checks
totaling more than $56,000 to herself from the account of the 81year-old woman for whom she was a paid caregiver.
In another case, 25-year-old Juwana Tumblin stole $16,000 worth
of jewelry from residents’ rooms while employed as a nursing
assistant at an assisted living facility. Entrusted with caring for
the victims, Tumblin entered residents’ rooms while they were in
the hospital or away with family. She pawned the items for a
fraction of their worth.
In This Issue…
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Prosecutor Lindquist and DPA Erika Nohavec
speak at the Pierce County Healthcare
Providers Council meeting on July 12.
PA CASE FILES
ALLEN GREGORY, 40,
was sentenced to
Prosecutor Lindquist and DPA Nohavec are available to give presentations on prosecution and prevention of elder financial fraud and abuse.
Farewell to Ron Williams
death a second time
for the rape and murder of Genie Harshfield
in 1996. The Washington State Supreme
On June 25, the Prosecutor’s Office bid farewell to Civil DPA Ron Williams, who retired
after more than 24 years of service to the citizens of Pierce County. Williams served a
long and successful career defending the county in lawsuits, winning dozens of cases in
State and Federal courts. In addition to his zealous courtroom skills, Williams is highly
valued as a wise mentor and loyal friend.
Active in the local legal community, Williams served on the Board of Trustees of the
Tacoma/Pierce County Bar Association and was its president in 2004. Community
involvement is a priority for Williams. He served on the first city council of University Place and as
mayor in 1996. Williams has served on other community boards such as the University Place Festival
committee and the Parks bond committee.
Court upheld the 2001
murder conviction but
reversed the death
sentence. DPA John
Neeb prosecuted the
case in a two-monthlong trial.
www.pierceprosecutor.org
Page 2
ON THE RECORD
Community Involvement
PA CASE FILES
Charles Wright graduate Jacob Lawson spent three weeks in the office under the
tutelage of DPA Marcus Miller for his senior internship. Jacob was exposed to all
facets of the criminal justice process and took a special interest in the VictimWitness Assistance Unit and Kiley, the courthouse dog. In a paper detailing his
internship experience, Lawson wrote, “It was very rewarding to see the amount of
work and effort the advocates would put in to support the many victims of crimes.”
Jacob Lawson and Kiley
DAVID DANIELS, 20,
was sentenced to
more than 19 years
in prison after a jury
convicted him of
Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of
Homicide Unit Lead DPA Jerry Costello was a
volunteer soccer referee at a competition for Special
Olympics. Over the last 10 years, Costello has refereed
some of the best youth matches in the state. He found
the Special Olympics competition more meaningful than
any other because it provides such a positive experience
for the athletes and everyone else involved.
a Minor. Daniels, a
Crip gang member
and registered sex
offender, forced teenage girls to prostitute
for him. DPA Jared
Ausserer prosecuted
DPA Diane Clarkson, Chair of the
More than 80 employees attended a potluck
luncheon celebrating the kickoff of the Prosecutor’s
DPA Jerry Costello on duty as
Office Diversity Initiative on May 18. The focus of
referee during a soccer match
the initiative is to recruit staff who represent our
diverse community, and create an inclusive working environment that
provides all employees an opportunity to foster successful and fulfilling
careers. This commitment to diversity creates a stronger office which
promotes equality and respect for the community we serve.
Daniels.
DAVID CARSON, 26,
was sentenced to nine
Diversity Committee, chats with
years in prison after a
In May, Family Support Division paralegal Joy Brinkman was
luncheon.
surprised with the honor of “Best All Around” support staff
award from the Washington Association of Prosecuting
Attorneys, Support Enforcement Program. DPA Sherry Buchanan nominated Brinkman
for the award because of her work ethic, professionalism, and team attitude.
jury found him guilty
DPA Jesse Williams during the
On May 19, Prosecutor Mark Lindquist, deputy prosecutors Tim Lewis,
Jason Ruyf, Phil Sorensen, Diane Clarkson, and James Curtis, and legal
assistant Danielle Johnson represented the Prosecutor’s Office at the Pierce
County Youth and Law Community Forum. The forum provides youth with positive
exposure to law enforcement, judges, attorneys and others in the legal system.
of three counts of
Child Molestation in
the First Degree.
Carson sexually
Joy Brinkman
assaulted a 5-yearold child whom he
was babysitting.
DPA Tim Lewis
prosecuted the case.
Employees turned out to enjoy a benefit barbeque at the Crystal Judson Family
Justice Center on July 13. The annual event raises money for vital services for
victims of domestic violence and their children.
On July 6, DPA Scott Peters, Victim-Witness Unit
FJC Director Susan Adams
Team Chief Michelle Walker, and Kiley visited a
with Prosecutor Lindquist
class of children at a summer camp program in
and Chief of Staff Dawn
Bonney Lake. Peters described his work as a
Farina.
deputy prosecutor and Walker spoke about the
Victim-Witness Unit and the benefits of having a dog
to assist victims and witnesses during the court process.
Kiley poses with her new friends at
Bonney Lake Kindercare.
DPA John Cummings was honored with the Business
Examiner’s “40 Under 40” award. The program recognizes
outstanding South Sound business and community leaders
under the age of 40 and includes those who have made great
accomplishments and significant contributions to their
communities.
TODD WIXON, 53,
was found guilty of
Attempting to Elude a
Pursuing Police Vehicle, DUI, Reckless
Driving, and Resisting
Arrest. Wixon led
police on a high
speed chase, driving
erratically and flying
through intersections.
Tacoma Police sur-
John Cummings
rounded his vehicle
and arrested him
after a struggle. DPA
Speaking Engagements
Mark Sanchez
prosecuted Wixon,
Mark Lindquist enjoys attending and speaking at community events. If you would like to invite Mark or
a representative from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to speak to your group, please contact us.
who will be sentenced
next month.
www.pierceprosecutor.org