U.S. Justice officials accuse Montana prosecutor of gender bias in rape cases

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

U.S. Justice officials accuse Montana prosecutor of gender bias in rape cases

BY LAURA ZUCKERMAN
Fri Feb 14, 2014 10:21pm EST

(Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Friday that its investigation into the handling of rape reports by prosecutors in Missoula, Montana, has found substantial evidence that the county attorney's office discriminates against women.

The 20-page letter caps a nearly two-year inquiry into how the Missoula County Attorney's Office deals with sexual assault. It was made public days after County Attorney Fred Van Valkenburg sued the U.S. Justice Department, accusing its attorneys of overstepping their bounds by trying to oversee local prosecutors.

Among the investigation's findings were that the county attorney's office gave sexual assault of women low priority, failed to properly train its prosecutors and treated victims with disrespect.

In its letter to Van Valkenburg, the Justice Department accused the local prosecutor of failing to cooperate with the probe, including a refusal to provide requested records or access to staff for interviews.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/15/us-usa-rape-montana-idUSBREA1E03Z20140215

[chervilant]

1. Yes, but,

there is no rape culture -- I read it right here on DU.

[okaawhatever]

2. This needs exposure. A significant victory. Thanks Holder and Company. nt

[geek tragedy]

3. what rape culture? nt