Setting the record straight: LA DA opposes Sessions policy

In response to Ana Zamora's June 12 front page column, "DAs: Listen to Voters, Not Sessions," I would like to set the record straight. First of all, nearly two decades ago, Los Angeles County was one of the first in California to implement the state's Three Strikes law in a measured, fair manner that ensured these tough mandatory sentences applied only to serious and violent offenders. In fact, our innovative policy was adopted by others and became the model for Proposition 36.

My office also has been a leader in seeking sentencing alternatives for nonviolent drug offenders. This has not changed and will not change as long as I am the district attorney.

While I am a member of the National District Attorneys Association, the group mistakenly listed me on its website as a vice president. I have never served in that capacity. Nor was I involved in the NDAA's decision to support Jeff Sessions for U.S. attorney general. In fact, after the news release was distributed, I objected to the NDAA's position. A different decision may have been reached by NDAA leadership if more time had been allotted to a thorough and careful analysis and if the broader interests of its NDAA's membership had been considered.

I have publicly opposed the attorney general's position. In April, I joined Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer and other California prosecutors in asking Attorney General Sessions to reconsider his position in making immigration enforcement arrests in and around California courthouses. As we wrote, "No one should fear that their immigration status prevents them from seeking justice."

I am committed to continuing to implement innovative evidence-based solutions to improve public safety and our criminal justice system.