Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schrunk says some people convicted of minor drug possession, hit-and-run, and shoplifting will no longer face the threat of jail.
Schrunk told KGW that budget cuts have left his office unable to prosecute some crimes. Offenders would get the equivalent of a speeding ticket.
Portland Police Chief Mike Reese is telling officers to make arrests as usual. Then it will be up to Schrunk to decide which cases he can afford to prosecute.
Mayor Sam Adams called the lack of prosecution unacceptable. He recommends the county cut its river patrol unit and shift that funding to the DA’s office.
