Other LanguagesSPOKANE — The Attorney General’s Office has reached a plea agreement with a former Spokane deputy prosecutor who helped a man avoid arrest earlier this year.
Marriya Wright today pleaded guilty to and was sentenced for second-degree rendering criminal assistance, a gross misdemeanor.
“Prosecutors are held to a high standard in upholding the law, and Ms. Wright’s actions fell short of that,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “I’m pleased my office secured a result that will hold her accountable.”
Wright, then a deputy prosecuting attorney for Spokane County, helped Matthew Baumrucker evade police on March 3 of this year. Baumrucker was wanted at the time on a warrant and on suspicion of assault.
While hiding in an apartment when police arrived to arrest him, Baumrucker called Wright for help. She gave him advice on avoiding the police and later picked him up and transported him away from the apartment.
The court sentenced Wright to 364 days of confinement, which will be suspended, and one year of monitored probation, as requested by the Attorney General’s Office. The court also imposed 60 hours of community service and a $1,500 fine, half of which is suspended.
As part of the plea, Wright agreed to resign her position with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office and to not seek or accept a position in criminal prosecution.
The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case at the request of the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead prosecutor was Assistant Attorney General Bill Sherman.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contacts:
Alison Dempsey-Hall, Acting Communications Director