Three District Attorneys Withdraw from Lawsuit Related to Oregon State Hospital

HILLSBORO, Ore- Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, and Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson have withdrawn as amici parties in Disability Rights Oregon, Metropolitan Public Defender et. al. v Patrick Allen et. al. (case no. 3:02-cv-00339-MO).

The three district attorneys joined the federal case in 2022 after the court imposed treatment timelines that conflicted with and overruled Oregon law in ways that compromised victim and public safety. The Oregon State Legislature has since codified similar timelines into law through HB 2005 (2025).

Over the past three years, District Attorneys Barton, Wentworth, and Clarkson have participated in multiple hearings, workgroups, and mediations to help inform the federal court and craft real solutions to the crisis at the Oregon State Hospital. It has been a priority for the public safety leaders to ensure that while the federal court focuses on the rights of defendants with mental illness, there must also be a clear and persistent voice advocating for the safety and protection of crime victims and the public.

“We were compelled to join this lawsuit three years ago out of a concern for public safety, especially the safety of crime victims,” said DA Barton. “Although we no longer feel we can accomplish progress through the federal court process, we remain strongly committed to advocating for a safe and sustainable solution to Oregon’s broken state hospital system.”

“The timelines as established by the federal court were merely a temporary solution to what is a significant lack of bedspace at the Oregon State Hospital. Pushing people out of treatment before they are healthy enough to be in our neighborhoods does a disservice to those suffering and to our community safety,” said DA Wentworth. “Under these timelines, we have seen untreated individuals reoffend and even commit suicide after their release.”

“House Bill 2005 is now a starting point for Oregon to address its long-neglected mental health system without the intervention of the federal court. But it is not a safe or compassionate destination,” added DA Clarkson. “The Governor and our legislative leaders must continue to invest in treatment and bedspace for the sickest of Oregonians while prioritizing the safety of us all.”