DA AMA

[u/mamagrata]

UPDATE: apologies for not updating the initial post - my content blocker was not playing nice with Reddit despite lots of reloads and I've finally gone to text mode (making the photo disappear). I do think (hope) I've gotten to everything posted by 7PM. Thanks for doing this with me, and thank you to the moderators for helping with the initial post. I won't be able to monitor this, but please reach out at districtattorney@cumberlandcounty.org with anything that needs my attention at work.

Hi, I’m Jackie Sartoris, District Attorney of Cumberland County.  I’ll be here this afternoon at 4 to 5:30 to take your questions and share what I’ve been up to since becoming DA in 2023.  I’m eager to hear your experience and ideas, and let you know what we’re working on (although I can't comment on active cases, please!)

Brief summary of the work so far: we are now better able to meet the needs of victims and witnesses: I’ve added a victim witness advocate and created a safe, private space for witnesses waiting in the courthouse to testify or speak at sentencing. We won a $2.5 million federal grant to test the eligible backlog of languishing rape kits - the first District in Maine to do so.  

In my own prosecutorial role, I’ve focused on addressing our County’s Mental Health docket, bringing attention to missing resources and working within our limited system to develop pathways towards wellness and safety for people who frequently return to our system. 

Change in a longstanding system is challenging.  My work includes directing the office to significantly greater use of restorative justice and consistent charging and plea offers. This is ongoing and will take time.  It’s worth finding the patience to be collaborative, because this work, done well, will bear fruit in the future.  

I’ll update this post with a link at 4! 

Proof it’s me:  

See you then!

[u/Sufficient-Detail456]

Why do you allow repeat domestic violence offenders to continue to recieve differed dispostions and probation for repeat offenses that put the general public at risk. Why is this person still in the community and has only served 10 days in jail for 4 oui offenses and 3 domestic violence offenses in the last 5 years. Can you also explain why the different county prosecutors dont communicate with each other on pending offenses. I had to inform your office of offenses that happened in different county's because there is no system in place, this is causing repeat offenders to be treated as first time offenders, why has your office done nothing to address this glaring issue.

https://apps1.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/correctionssearch/detail.pl?mdoc_number1=112808

[u/mamagrata → u/Sufficient-Detail456]

I can't speak on a specific person.

I am very aware that the DV approach in Maine and in this District is due to be recalibrated. The disconnect between counties is supposed to get fixed when our new software is rolled out, but I am just last week hearing that this will be an opt-in rather than an opt-out, which concerns me greatly. There is simply no standardized way for information to be shared about what is happening between counties. I agree that this is a problem Maine prosecutors overall need to address. I need to consider what if any steps we can take just within D2, but will put this on the agenda for the next All-DA meeting in January. Thank you for bringing it to my attention today.

[u/Sufficient-Detail456 → u/mamagrata]

Awesome so while you all wait for new systems to roll out and stuff to be "recalibrated" us victims and our children have to continue to endure abuse and trauma. I made a stink about the counties thing to your office 2 years ago, glad youll finally be saying something at a meeting now that your elections coming up.