Attack on D.A. Was Unfair
Ron Cuff’s letter to The Times (“D.A.’s Crab Caper Wasted Money,” Feb. 25) lacks only two things: accuracy and honesty. His misrepresentations are so numerous, it is hard to know where to begin.
Yes, Mr. Cuff, the district attorney’s Consumer Protection Division goes after those businesses who, among other rip-offs, engage in false advertising, including large chain grocery stores that advertise whitefish as crab.
No, Mr. Cuff, the taxpayers don’t pay for this effort; those who violate the law do. This division is paid for out of fines and penalties collected in the cases we prosecute. For example, the $200,000 paid by Lucky will help cover the consumer protection the public receives. Any balance over the cost to operate the division goes into the county treasury.
Unfortunately, due to budget cuts--we lost eight deputy district attorneys--we have had to limit our prosecution of administrative agency cases (i.e., Department of Fish and Game, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.) that do not have an impact on public safety. Serious crimes continue to be aggressively prosecuted with a 98% conviction rate.
Cuff’s callous disregard for the truth was a slap in the face to the dedicated men and women of this office, who spend an inordinate number of uncompensated overtime hours protecting the county’s citizens. These are outstanding law enforcement officers who help make Ventura County one of the four safest communities in America.
COLLEEN TOY WHITE
Assistant District Attorney
Ventura
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
