To the editor:

I would like to bring to the public’s attention the superb work of the office of the Island County Prosecuting Attorney in obtaining both a conviction and the longest possible prison sentence against the drunk driver who killed my wife.

I cannot possibly convey how grateful my family is to Greg Banks and his staff.

Many of your readers know of the arguments and delays that the defendant tried to use in order to escape punishment. Mr. Banks’ expertise and determination to see justice done checkmated the defendant at every legal turn.

I would also like to give particular thanks to Sharon Waltrip and Caroline Morse of the prosecuting attorney’s staff. Ms. Waltrip expended a great deal of effort in tracking down evidence of two prior DUI convictions that the defendant had received in Oregon. The discovery of these convictions allowed an additional four years to be added to the defendant’s sentence.

I was also greatly impressed by the expertise and demeanor of Island County Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock and, of course, am thankful that he saw fit to give the defendant the longest prison sentence allowed by law.

Thank you to all my friends and community members for their kind thoughts and support in this difficult last year and a half. Please cherish your family and loved ones and God bless you all.

John Boone

Captain, USN (ret.)

Greenbank