SHELTON, Wash. — Those arrested for crimes like public intoxication, defecating, malicious mischief, even theft, could be given a chance to have their charges dropped in Mason County, under a proposal being floated by two elected officials.
There would be a catch: the offenders would have to agree to leave Mason County, for up to a year.
”We want to have an impact that makes us a safer community,” said Randy Neatherlin, Mason County commissioner. “If they don’t want to be prosecuted and be held accountable here, the public defender, the prosecuting attorney may allow them to leave.”
Neatherlin is working with Shelton City Council member George Blush on the proposal.
Neither has formally introduced an ordinance, but they said they just wanted to get the conversation started in the community.
”We had to figure something out because what we have obviously isn’t working,” said Blush, who owns Nita's, a restaurant on the main street in downtown Shelton.
Blush said he has had attempted robberies at the restaurant and routinely finds human waste and needles near his front door.
He thinks offering people a chance to avoid charges, by having them leave town, would make for a safer Shelton.
“We’re trying to do something different, this is what they elected us to do,” Blush said.
Mason County Prosecutor Michael Dorcy said he was not consulted about the proposal and has concerns.
“I believe the plan may potentially violate significant Constitutional rights," Dorcy said in an emailed statement. "Any legal implementation would necessitate substantial revisions to safeguard affected individuals' rights to liberty, silence, protection against self-incrimination, counsel, due process, free travel, and equal protection under the law."
Dorcy said he appreciates the attempt to come up with new solutions.
Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling said he also has concerns about the idea’s impact on an individual’s rights, but said he’s glad people are looking for creative solutions.
Jonathan Free, manager at Community Lifeline, a 35-bed shelter in Shelton, called the proposal “disgusting.”
Free said it would unfairly target those experiencing homelessness.
”We’re not solving our problem," Free said. "We’re giving it to somebody else to solve. Where’s the accountability of us taking care of our problems?”
Neatherlin said it should not be considered an anti-homeless ordinance.
He said it’s about getting people who cause problems out of his county.
”If they’re gone and they go to some other area and they’re not selling their drugs to make their habit here, that’s less drugs there,” Neatherlin said. “If they’re not dropping a needle for my nephew or niece to get stabbed with, that makes us safer here.”