A little known but critical department within the ChelanCountyProsecutor’s Office is the Victim Witness Program. Founded in the 1980’s the program seeks to ease the anxiety of victims and witnesses as their criminal case progresses through the justice system.
Victim/Witness Coordinator Charissa Cruickshank, says she and other advocates provide continuing support and information throughout a victim's experience with the court system.
Charissa and her co-workers served as advocates for the Raney family and friends throughout two criminal trials, the second of which secured a guilty verdict for Steven Swinford in the death of Paul Raney. Jurors found Swinford guilty of second degree murder earlier this month and he is scheduled for sentencing at 9 AM Friday in ChelanCounty Superior Court.
Superior Court Judge Leslie Allen will take into account letters that are submitted by both the prosecution as well as the defense before handing down Swinford’s sentence, which could range from 15 to 23 years.
KOZI will be in the courtroom for Friday’s sentencing and will pass that information on to you as the story unfolds. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our website and our facebook page.
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