Two Colville women were booked into a rural Washington jail. It became a death sentence
Critics say WA jails are letting opioid users suffer from withdrawals, leading to preventable deaths
Criminal Justice
7 reforms Idaho could make to address sexual abuse by prison staff
Independent oversight, policy changes in other states show steps to protect Idaho inmates at risk of victimization
Native American kids less likely than others in WA to be offered second chance in juvenile court, data shows
Lawmakers and researchers push for new tracking measures as racial disparities and decentralized practices shape youth justice outcomes
‘Make it make sense’: Advocates stunned as WA lawmaker helps slash funds for groups clearing old drug convictions
After being fired from the legal aid group she once led, Rep. Tarra Simmons supported state cuts that crippled similar organizations
Native American children significantly more likely to be arrested, detained in Washington
Before and after trial and even for low-level, nonviolent crimes, Native American youths are locked up at higher rates
Idaho leaders urged to address systemic failures following prison abuse reports
InvestigateWest reporters uncovered years of sexual abuse by women’s prison guards prompting calls for independent investigation
How a WA prison turned a treatable ailment into a death sentence
“They knew he was dying,” says his wife, who wasn’t told until it was too late
From one voice to many: Women speak out on Idaho prison abuse
Inspired by Andrea Weiskircher, scores of women revealed sexual abuse by Idaho prison staff. Most of their cases were buried.
Idaho law challenges prosecutors seeking to penalize prison guards for sexual abuse
When guards are charged, plea deals offer leniency
Case closed: Inside Idaho State Police’s handling of prison sexual abuse complaints
Audio recordings and records obtained by InvestigateWest reveal sloppy investigations, omitted evidence and questions about whether cases were properly pursued
Allegations of sex abuse, misused church dollars against WA priest divide parish
Spokane Diocese points to “overwhelming evidence” — but parishioners question Bishop Thomas Daly’s motivations
In Idaho women’s prisons, guards get away with sexual abuse and victims are blamed
A yearlong investigation finds rampant sexual abuse by guards, systemic cover-ups, and punishment for victims
The Idaho prison guard who preyed on women — and the system that hid his ‘predatory’ conduct
This is the first installment in a new InvestigateWest series called “Guarded by Predators,” exposing rape and abuse by Idaho’s prison guards and the system that shields them