Wasco County District Attorney candidate Travis J Marston is under scrutiny for running without an active Oregon State Bar license, a requisite for assuming the office upon election.

Today, Oct 20, Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis announced that 41-year-old Aselmo Arzeta received a seventeen (17) year prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, one count of Sodomy in the First Degree, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis has released his mid-term report to the public. The report details the DA Office’s challenges and accomplishments over the past two years including staffing, case trends, supporting the creation of speciality treatment and mental health courts, updating policy, resentencing old cases to be consistent with current laws, and more.

Oregonians convicted of felonies will be able to legally petition for reconsideration of their sentence and convictions on January 1st, 2022 when Senate Bill 819 goes into effect. The enactment of the law is considered a huge win for those looking for a second chance at sentencing and at full reintegration into their communities. Wasco County District Attorney Matt Ellis has created a special hearing docket scheduled for January 6th, 2022 at 8:30 AM to hear the first round of petitions from Wasco County community members. The hearing will be presided over by Wasco County Circuit Judge Janet Stauffer.

This week as a part of the Wasco County DA’s Office moved its Crime Victim’s Advocacy services into its own office. James Barber, Victims Advocate Coordinator, said the move is a part of the Office’s plan to create a more welcoming, safe, and accessible space for victims of crimes to seek counsel and advocacy.

Eric Nisley is suing for nearly $3 million in damages. He said his reputation had been tarnished by his removal from the Wasco County DA’s office following a disciplinary 60-day suspension of his license to practice law. The Oregon State bar found that he had lied to investigators no less than six times.