Audit of the Essex County District Attorney's Office

This is a state performance audit of the Essex County District Attorney’s Office covering January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020.

“This report details the audit objectives, scope, and methodology for the audit period, January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020.”

The audit checked whether the office followed victim and witness assistance requirements and properly ran its Youthful Diversion Program under its own policies.

“In this performance audit, we examined EDAO’s compliance with Section 5 of Chapter 258B of the General Laws (see Appendix) for the Victim Witness Assistance Program, as well as its administration of the Youthful Diversion Program (YDP).”

The office prosecutes criminal cases for Essex County, so its handling of victims, witnesses, and diversion cases affects public safety and fairness in the justice system.

“EDAO is one of 11 district attorneys’ offices in the Commonwealth and represents the state in the prosecution of criminal offenses that occur within its jurisdiction.”

If you are a victim or witness in a case, the office is supposed to help you understand court events, services, and practical supports like notifications and referrals.

“VWAs notify crime victims and witnesses of the results of these proceedings by phone, email, or letter in accordance with Section 5 of Chapter 258B of the General Laws, which requires EDAO to provide information to victims and witnesses about the court process, court events, and available services.”

The auditors answered yes to both main questions: Youthful Diversion Program contracts were handled as required in the sample reviewed, and victims and witnesses received required help in the sample reviewed.

“Below is a list of our audit objectives, indicating each question we intended our audit to answer and the conclusion we reached regarding each objective.”

For diversion participants, completing the program means charges are dropped; not completing it means the case can move forward in court.

“Participants who do not complete the program, or who voluntarily withdraw from it, have their cases forwarded by EDAO to the appropriate court for prosecution.”

The important takeaway is that the audit did not identify significant reportable noncompliance in the areas it tested.

“Our audit revealed no significant instances of noncompliance that must be reported under generally accepted government auditing standards.”

YDP means Youthful Diversion Program, a voluntary option for some first-time, nonviolent young adult offenders instead of prosecution.

“According to EDAO’s website, the office offers services “in lieu of prosecution” to first-time, nonviolent offenders through its voluntary YDP.”