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Crime, Law and Justice
The Associated Press
St. Paul

Ramsey County prosecutor quits over diversion policies

Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Richard Dusterhoft arrives.
Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Richard Dusterhoft arrives at the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul.
Matthew Hintz for MPR News 2017

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A key Ramsey County prosecutor has quit because he feels his office is too soft on offenders.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that Richard Dusterhoft resigned earlier this month. He was the trial division director for the county.

Dusterhoft said he was frustrated with policies that promote diversion programs over prison time. His former boss, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, has introduced a number of initiatives that focus on rehabilitation.

The Washington County prosecutor who initially handled Daunte Wright's death at the hands of a Brooklyn Park police officer quit his job in May. Imran Ali said he was tired of partisan politics and activists trying to influence charging decisions.

Former officer Kim Potter shot Wright during a traffic stop, saying she mistakenly drew her firearm when she meant to draw her stun gun as Wright tried to drive away. Potter is white; Wright was Black. She's currently on trial for manslaughter.

Minnesota County Attorneys Association Executive Director Robert Small says the resignations reflect a national trend. He said he's heard similar stories of frustrated prosecutors walking away from their jobs in California, Michigan, New York, New Hamphsire, Colorado, Maryland, Utah and Missouri.