Prosecuting Attorney Melanie R. Bailey issues open letter to Okanogan residents

Citing a number of issues including staff shortages, case backlogs, harassment, and budgetary issues, Noma announced his resignation as Okanogan County Prosecutor on Dec. 10, 2020, that took effect on Jan. 15. Baily was appointed as his replacement effective Jan. 16. The prosecuting attorney is a nonpartisan elected office serving a four-year term.

Bailey’s letter to county residents follows:

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and offer some updates from the Prosecutor’s Office and our progress since the transition. As you may know, I was appointed by our County Commissioners as Prosecuting Attorney upon the resignation of our former Prosecutor, Arian Noma. I began my service as Prosecuting Attorney on January 16, 2021. Although myself and my staff have been busy with the transition, reflecting on these past several weeks, I have been so overwhelmed by the generosity this community, our District and Superior Court Judges and Law Enforcement. They have all welcomed me, assisted me in various ways and made this such a smooth transition.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team at the office, who have all rolled up their sleeves to assist in the transition. We all understand the value of teamwork and have incorporated that into our daily operations at the office. I am so blessed to have a very experienced and talented staff of attorneys, legal assistants and a victim advocate to help assist you, our community.

Prior to being appointed as Prosecuting Attorney, I have worked in this office as a District Court Deputy, Felony Deputy Prosecutor and the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor. Although I was born and raised in East Wenatchee, I have been proud to call Okanogan County my home for the past four years. My husband was born and raised in Brewster, so it was an easy decision to permanently call Okanogan County our home, where we are excited to raise our two children.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been raised where agriculture and smalltown values are key components to our way of life. I was raised to always help your neighbor and to work hard for what you have. I feel fortunate to bring these values to this position, where I am blessed to serve this community and assist those who have been victimized by crime. I am so humbled and honored to fill this position and I look forward to serving Okanogan County as YOUR Prosecuting Attorney.

Melanie R. Bailey