Since late last month, the Shawnee County District Attorney has refused to prosecute MISDEMEANOR cases of domestic violence in the city of Topeka. The D-A, Chad Taylor, says budget cuts left his office without enough money to tackle those cases. As a result, his office decided NOT to file charges against at least 20 suspected abusers... and they've since been released from jail. All of this has outraged citizens. Last (TUE) night, more fuel was added to the fire when the Topeka City Council voted to repeal the city's ordinance against domestic violence. What's going on here? To find out, KPR's J. Schafer spoke to KPR's government reporter -- Stephen Koranda -- who's been following this story.
That's KPR's Stephen Koranda, speaking with KPR News Director J. Schafer about last (TUE) night's decision by the Topeka City Council to repeal the city's ordinance against domestic violence.
UPDATE: Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor has now weighed-in on the matter. This (WED) afternoon, his office announced that -- effective immediately -- it would resume prosecution of all domestic violence cases. In a news release, the D-A said his office would do so with less staff, fewer resources and severe constraints on its ability to effectively seek justice.