UPDATE: Jaclyn Jenkins explains her return to the Umatilla County DA’s Office
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
The following is an email from Jaclyn Jenkins on her decision to return to Umatilla County after a year as an assistant U.S. attorney in Portland:
“I decided I wanted to come home because I missed it so much. The people at the US Attorneys office are amazing—so smart and so kind. They went out of their way to make me feel at home. But the truth is, it never felt like home. When I interviewed at the US Attorney’s office, I told them I was not concerned about the work, but I was concerned about Portland. And Portland was a problem. It was too big, too noisy, and, quite frankly, unsafe. I miss my family and my friends to a degree I cannot even express. And I miss feeling connected to my community. I became a prosecutor specifically because I wanted to help my community. I was feeling so disconnected from my work. Don’t get me wrong—it is important work, and interesting cases and I gave them all I had. But there was a lot less joy than when I was at the DA’s office. And I missed that, too.”
POSTED EARLIER:
UMATILLA COUNTY – Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaclyn Jenkins is returning to Umatilla County. She left her position as chief deputy district attorney about a year ago to accept the federal appointment. Umatilla County Commissioner George Murdock says that while Jenkins enjoyed her new job, she missed her hometown of Hermiston and her family and friends. The commissioners voted unanimously to hire her as chief deputy district attorney working out of the Stafford Hansell Government Center in Hermiston.
Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus has been working with only five of the 10 attorney positions filled. He said that Jenkins’ return is great news.
“We’re lucky to have Ms. Jenkins back, not only for what she brings to the courtroom, but what she brings to our office,” he said. “Also, Ms. Jenkins is great working with victims.”
A year ago, Daniel Pachico also returned to the DA’s office after leaving to join the private sector. He will retain his title of chief deputy district attorney as well.
Primus said there is also light at the end of the tunnel for other staff shortages. He’s offered a position to a person who is interested in working in the area who graduates soon from law school. He also anticipates an intern will accept full time employment as well. Both of those people would begin work in September.
