Ursula Jones Dickson, Alameda County's District Attorney, defended her decision to drop charges against a West Oakland scrap metal processing plant due to a lack of sufficient proof needed to meet legal standards. Dickson, who recently assumed office, highlighted the need to ensure that cases are thoroughly examined by district attorneys rather than relying on external law firms. The charges against Radius involved hazardous materials management and violations of air quality regulations, which carry significant penalties, yet the DA’s office found insufficient evidence for prosecution.
"We needed to look at all of the cases that were moving through Consumer and Environmental so that we know that the work is being done by district attorneys and that we can meet our burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt."
"I had not seen that before: a law firm being hired by a DA's office to do the work of DAs," Jones Dickson said, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation in cases.
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