Statement regarding Janet Sutherland

We are aware of the recent indictment of Janet Sutherland, a 29-year employee of Washington County who has served as Justice Court Administrator for the past 16 years. Ms. Sutherland was terminated from her employment on September 30, 2019.

The County takes this situation seriously and has been fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation and prosecution of this matter. Upon learning about the nature of the allegations, Ms. Sutherland was immediately placed on administrative leave and law enforcement was contacted.

As a government entity serving the community, Washington County considers public trust in all aspects of our work to be essential to our mission and a core value throughout our entire organization. We strive every day to earn this trust and to protect it with appropriate policies, processes and controls. In this case, when inconsistencies in the Justice Court financial transaction records were discovered, the County quickly implemented additional financial controls and accounting practices.

The County also recognizes the individual rights of due process and the principle of presumed innocence. In keeping with these rights and in the interest of not interfering with the prosecution of this case, we will have no further comment.

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