Successes, initiatives highlight start of DA Lykos’ administration

District Attorney Patricia Lykos took office on January 1, 2009 with a pledge to begin implementing plans to make the office more efficient, effective and professional. Here are some of the accomplishments during the first 100 days of this administration:

Victim Rights Division

This division has developed a computer database to streamline the gathering of information for complainants and enhance the tracking of restitution requests and payments. The upgrades are a key reason why the division was able to collect more than $1.5 million in restitution for victims through the first four months of 2009.

District Attorney Lykos renamed what had been the Victim Witness Division to reflect the new emphasis on empowering these most important participants in the justice system. The division provides victims and witnesses with timely assistance, information and care to improve the level of cooperation and quality of evidence. Combined, that helps to reduce crime for all citizens.

The office is also planning to expand the Victim Assistance Coordinator staff, which offers support to more than 25,000 crime victims annually.

Cold Case/Fugitive Apprehension Section

Work by this newly created section has already resulted in the capture of one former fugitive from a 10-year-old homicide case. More arrests are expected as the unit begins reviews and work on more than 600 murder cases from 1970 or later. These cases involve defendants who were charged but never arrested, or did not appear for trial.

This section has also created a database for tracking these cases, and it has upgraded standards to improve the searches for missing defendants. District Attorney Lykos established the section to ensure that all major criminal cases, even those with fugitives who have eluded justice in past years, are vigorously pursued and prosecuted. It will ensure that these once dormant cases remain a priority.

Animal Cruelty Unit

This newly created unit has filed almost 100 cases from January through April, to nearly equal the number of animal cruelty cases pursued during all of 2007. District Attorney Lykos started this unique unit to raise awareness about animal abuse offenders and to handle those increasing caseloads.

The unit has been featured on the Animal Planet network and has become a model for prosecution agencies nationwide. Only last year, Houston was the hub for one of the largest dog-fighting enterprises in the U.S. The new unit demonstrates that this DA’s Office will not tolerate those who abuse or neglect animals.

Consumer Protection Section

The former consumer fraud section has a new title and expanded mandate for public education and awareness. It is part of the mission to help prevent citizens from being victimized, as well as enhancing consumer fraud investigations and prosecutions.

Increasingly, these frauds involve higher losses and more victims – several thousand citizens were swindled out of combined amounts ranging into millions of dollars in two cases last year. Public awareness will help protect the community from being targeted by these crimes.

Dependent Adult Protection Section

This new section provides special assets and expertise in the prosecution of those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community – seniors and other adults requiring assistance and support.

Crimes may range from neglect to abuse and financial fraud perpetuated by strangers or even relatives violating the trust of these often isolated victims. The potential for these crimes increases with the aging of the population. This section focuses on those who view dependent adults as easy targets for fraud. It will also educate the public on how to detect or prevent such abuse.

Child Exploitation Section

Creation of this section has led to the first charges for using the Sony PlayStation internet portal to attempt to solicit an 11-year-old girl. About 60 cases have been filed by the unit created by District Attorney Lykos to specialize in protecting innocent youngsters from increasingly sophisticated predators.

The unit has enhanced the ability to investigate and prosecute these particularly insidious offenders.

Post Conviction Review Section

District Attorney Lykos established this section to thoroughly and aggressively investigate credible claims of innocence. Thus far, 64 motions have been received seeking reviews of cases, and the office has agreed to conduct DNA testing in six cases.

Lykos also conducted a detailed investigation into wrongful 2003 conviction of Ricardo Rachell, who was freed late last year. She vowed to do everything possible to prevent a repeat of the “cascading, system-wide breakdown” that led to his imprisonment. This section, and her efforts to establish an independent regional crime lab, is part of that pledge to restore trust and integrity in the justice process.

Deferrals for Qualified Juvenile First Offenders

In coordination with the Juvenile Probation Department, the District Attorney instituted a deferral program for qualified youths with first offenses not involving violence, drugs or weapons. They now have the opportunity to enter a program that will guide them away from delinquent conduct through close supervision, counseling, incentives and family intervention.

Those who successfully complete the program can avoid criminal records and have a second chance to transition into productive adulthood. The public benefits from safer communities and avoiding the enormous cost – estimated at $1 million or more – for a career criminal to be repeatedly incarcerated and processed by the justice system.

Mental Health Section

This section was established to work toward a community based partnership that would provide meaningful counseling and help for qualified, non-violent defendants with serious mental disabilities. District Attorney Lykos created it to break the constant cycle of prosecution and incarceration for minor offenders with mental impairments.

Jail cells are not designed to provide treatment and therapy. These defendants would instead be diverted to secure treatment centers where professionals can help them regain their lives. Along with humanitarian considerations, diversion would ease jail crowding and the significant costs to taxpayers for imprisoning those with mental disabilities.

Offense Report Copies for Defense Attorneys

For the first time in the history of the county’s criminal justice system, District Attorney Lykos instituted a policy to provide timely offense reports and related information to the defense.

This early exchange, with the appropriate safeguards to protect confidential information, makes the justice process more transparent, efficient and equitable for all involved.

Training and Professionalism

Seminars and advanced training for staff have been a hallmark of the new administration. Sessions have included instruction and courses in court procedures, trial preparation, jury selection, specialized prosecutions, ethics and other aspects of the justice system.

Training has been presented by national authorities such as jury selection consultant Lisa Blue and the education division of the National College of District Attorneys, in conjunction with South Texas College of Law.

Office Reorganization and Priorities

District Attorney Lykos realigned bureaus, divisions and sections for budgetary efficiencies and more effective delivery of services. Her commitment to integrity and continuing excellence led to the creation of the Professional Development, Community Protection and Ethics Bureau.

The Human Resource and Budget Division establishes clear channels for better accountability and supervision in personnel and fiscal matters.

Transparency and Inter-Agency Cooperation

In the aftermath of the release and exoneration of the wrongfully convicted Ricardo Rachelle, District Attorney Lykos and the Houston Police Department conducted an intensive review that identified problems and solutions to prevent it from happening again. The report was shared with the news media and public.

The District Attorney’s Office has also upgraded and modernized its Web site with several features designed to make it more “user friendly” for public visitors.

Last Updated: 6/16/2009