Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney

For nearly thirty years, Coreen Schnepf has worked to protect people and uphold justice. Her career started as a CNA in a nursing home dementia unit while she worked her way through college. This experience taught her to stand with people on the worst days of their lives, empathy she now brings to victims in court. Her passion for public safety started while interning at a prosecutor’s office. Since then, she’s secured convictions of murderers, rapists, human traffickers, and domestic abusers – making our community safer. Coreen’s management expertise and courtroom skills are why she leads our county’s Criminal Division of 180 attorneys and staff, the largest division of the Prosecutor’s Office, and is trusted statewide to train police and prosecutors. Coreen has no patience for crime of any kind. She knows stolen cars mean parents can’t get to work or kids to school. Retail theft isn’t just creating an inconvenience through locked shelves, it’s driving up the prices of everyday essentials. As Prosecutor, Coreen will stand up for you by holding criminals accountable who make life for you challenging, expensive, and unsafe. Retiring Prosecutor Mary Robnett said, “Coreen is next-generation leadership for this office. Her expertise in complex digital evidence and evolving technology is critical for getting convictions. Coreen is committed to justice, not a political party.” That’s why Coreen is endorsed by public safety professionals and serious leaders from both parties. She and her husband Mike, a law enforcement officer, are raising their children in Tacoma.

Justice Delayed/Justice Denied. Competent management of the Prosecutor’s Office is critical to effective government, public safety and to achieve justice. Currently it is failing. First, case resolutions are taking longer. Far fewer cases are being filed than a few years ago, yet more cases are pending unresolved. As delays grow, evidence becomes less reliable, the accused and victims wait longer for closure. Meanwhile, taxpayers bear an increased burden for jail housing, medical, and legal costs. Second, the Prosecutor’s Office must work alongside law enforcement. Communication failures cause mistakes. Even after years of effort, a communication “gap” still exists. Third, Pierce County currently faces significant risk from pending claims. Competent, Experienced Leadership Needed. You deserve leadership that delivers results. As Superior Court’s Presiding Judge managing over 100 employees, Bryan Chushcoff achieved efficiencies like electronic filing, and easier record access. He improved court processes and successfully guided the Court through hard budget times. He pledges to fix the Prosecutor’s Office through better staff accountability, staff reorganization, technological improvement and employee training. Justice for All. “I want Pierce County to be a safe, prosperous place for families. I was born in Tacoma and went to school here. I understand the problems and share the concerns of Pierce County residents. I would be honored to continue my life’s work as your Prosecutor.” Endorsed by Law Enforcement: Pierce County Deputy Sheriff’s Independent Guild and the Puyallup Police Association.