Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
New county prosecutor Adam Walser was sworn in Jan. 8 by former superior court judge John Strohmaier.
DAVENPORT – Adam Walser grew up on the family farm in the northeast corner of Lincoln County near Devil's Gap before pursuing a law career that would make him a judge advocate in the Marine Corps. Now, he is the Lincoln County prosecutor, replacing Jeff Barkdull, who was elected Superior Court Judge in the November general election.
Walser was in the Marine Corps as an officer, then became a judge advocate full-time. He said the most interesting case he worked on in his time of service was a complicated theft case that was "poorly prepared" when given to him.
"Over a period of months, I dove into it and was able to build a well-prepared case," Walser said. "It wasn't the crime of the century, but it was fulfilling to polish and put it into a case that's well put together."
Walser attended Eastern Washington University for his undergraduate degree in computer information and design before attending University of San Diego for his law degree. While not able to watch much basketball these days, he remained loyal to Gonzaga hoops, even while attending USD, a WCC rival of the Bulldogs.
"I would wear a Gonzaga T-shirt whenever they played at San Diego," Walser said.
He moved back to Lincoln County after school and military service to assist with the family farm and work in the prosecutor's office.
He was in the office doing appeals work for five years, then submitted his resignation and applied to be county prosecutor once Barkdull was elected. After being interviewed by the local Republican Party and county commissioners, he was chosen and sworn into the position in January.
Walser's daily duties include office management, making sure everyone in the department can effectively do their job. He also fields questions from the commissioners and other department heads, and responds to public records requests, in addition to assisting other attorneys with their courthouse work.
"I think a misnomer about county prosecutors is that they're always in the courthouse," Walser said. "I help facilitate that and help, but I have to have confidence in the (attorneys) already working there."
He said he derives satisfaction from cases where he can help victims and represent their interests.
"I want to help somebody who was trying to tell their side (and) got justice," Walser said. "The victims need to be heard."
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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