Recently appointed District Attorney Adam Panter says that although his office is short-staffed, he’s looking forward and not back at the past.
Panter, who was sworn in as the new DA for the 23rd Judicial District on Oct. 24, several days after Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed him, noted, “The budget issue is well-known.”
But he said, “Regardless, it doesn’t impact our going forward.”
Panter said he has brought in Adam Kallsnick as his First Assistant District Attorney. “He was one of the team leaders for major felonies in Oklahoma County. I was also a team leader for major felonies there and our offices were right next to one another.
“He’s extremely smart and an excellent prosecutor,” Panter said of his first assistant DA.
Panter previously served as an Assistant District Attorney for former DA Richard Smothermon from 2008-2016 following his graduation from law school. He was elevated to first assistant DA, serving in that capacity until the end of 2018.
So he’s no stranger to serving the 23rd Judicial District that includes Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties.
He says regarding the budget, he’s met with the District Attorney’s Council. He said he’s begun reaching out to the county commissioners in both counties as well.
“We’ve lost several grants since I’ve been gone that funded attorneys, investigators and support staff,” Panter stated.
He’s hopeful he can get some of those back.
“We’re probably 40 percent of where we were with support staff and attorneys of when I was here previously which makes it extremely difficult to conduct day-to-day business,” he said.
“I’m confident we’ll get it turned around and moving in a positive direction,” Panter added.
He pointed out, “Support from law enforcement and other elected officials has been overwhelming. I’ve met with multiple chiefs of police, the two sheriffs, other law enforcement agencies and we plan to meet with more.”
Panter feels like, “we’ve made up a lot of ground restoring relationships with law enforcement.”
He said Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty “has gone above and beyond with his assistants in Lincoln County.”
Panter said, “We’re looking forward to it,” as he eyes what’s ahead of him and his staff.
“With our combined experience as prosecutors we bring a whole lot to the table,” he believes.
He also emphasized he and his staff are looking at cases that were dismissed. “We’ve asked law enforcement to bring us cases that they feel are languishing,” Panter said.