The Brief
- King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion warns of an imbalance between public defenders and prosecutors, risking victims’ rights and community safety.
- Manion’s budget request for more prosecutors was denied, while the proposed budget adds 17 public defenders.
- The King County Council will review the budget proposal, with concerns about funding for public safety and victim services.
KING COUNTY, Wash. – King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion is raising alarms over what she calls a growing imbalance between the number of public defenders and prosecutors, warning that without additional funding, victims’ rights and community safety could be at risk.
By the numbers:
According to Manion, the county currently employs 194 public defenders compared to just 144 prosecutors. In her 2026 budget request, she asked for funding to hire 21 new prosecutors, 21 paralegals and 16 victim advocates to help manage rising caseloads and address crimes such as human trafficking, elder abuse and internet crimes against children.…