Around New England

Suffolk County Dem DA Nominee Has Long List of Don’t-Prosecute Crimes

September 13, 2018

The Democratic nominee for district attorney of Suffolk County is calling for prosecutors not to prosecute trespassing, shoplifting, larceny under $250, receiving stolen property, wanton or malicious destruction of property, drug possession with intent to distribute, and resisting arrest if that is the only remaining charge against a defendant.

They are among 15 crimes that Rachael Rollins wants assistant district attorneys not to prosecute as crimes  “unless supervisor permission is obtained,” according to her campaign web site.

Rollins, a former state and federal prosecutor, won the Democratic primary on Tuesday, September 4. No Republican is running in the general election in November, but an independent, Michael Maloney, is on the ballot.

Her positions are causing unease among cops and prosecutors, and critics are suggesting crime will increase in Suffolk County (which includes Boston) if certain crimes aren’t prosecuted.

Rollins is moderating her stance in the face of criticism, saying she wants to have a conversation with the Boston police commissioner and others.

Maloney, a criminal defense lawyer who practices bikram yoga, says he is getting interest in his candidacy from law enforcement officials alarmed by Rollins.

Rollins has been touted as among the left-wingers winning Democratic primaries across the country. Her endorsers include left-wing advocacy organizations and The Boston Globe.

The current Suffolk County district attorney, Dan Conley, is resigning September 26 to join a Boston law firm. Governor Charlie Baker will have the ability to appoint an interim district attorney until whoever is elected Tuesday, November 6 takes office in January 2019.