Chief criminal deputy calls Franklin County prosecutor's office 'dire' as staffing shortfall grows

Moren Ashley, chief criminal deputy prosecutor, told commissioners in a written statement read at the meeting that the prosecuting attorney's office is understaffed and struggling to handle serious cases.

"The situation in the PA's office is dire. Those of us on the criminal side are drowning and the citizens of Franklin County deserve better," Ashley said in the statement, which detailed vacancies, heavy workloads and trial coverage demands. She asked the board to consider promotions to retain two prosecutors and to act to keep experienced staff.

County Administrator Brian Danzel told the board that the county has spent several hundred thousand dollars on retention bonuses and step‑in grade increases in recent years and that retention remains a challenge: "We've kept 15 total and we've lost 15 total," he said. He suggested the board consider budget and staffing proposals from the prosecutor's office during the upcoming budget cycle and discussed using contracted professional services as one option for shortfalls.