City Attorney Ann Davison announces new Criminal Division Chief

Seattle (April 16, 2024) - Today, City Attorney Ann Davison announced that 30-year veteran prosecutor Fred C. Wist II will be the next Criminal Division Chief at the Seattle City Attorney's Office. Wist will oversee over 70 Criminal Division prosecutors and professional support staff, work closely with the Seattle Municipal Court and diversion partners, and work to streamline prosecution within the City Attorney's Office.

In Pierce County, Fred oversaw the elimination of a backlog of thousands of cases and worked with stakeholders to more efficiently move cases through the criminal justice system. As a trial attorney, Wist prosecuted domestic violence, robbery, assault, and homicide among other crimes.

"I'm thrilled to add Fred's experience to my team as the Seattle City Attorney's office continues rebuilding our Criminal Division," said City Attorney Ann Davison. "Fred's years of experience as a trial attorney will be invaluable for mentoring new prosecutors and supporting the Criminal Division's mission to improve community safety. The people of Seattle have made it clear that they want our laws enforced. I will continue working to hold those who commit criminal acts accountable, while finding meaningful interventions to move them out of a cycle of crime."

"It's an honor to join City Attorney Ann Davison as her Criminal Division Chief. City Attorney Davison's focus on investing in solutions that work and making needed changes to the criminal justice system is what drew me back into public service," said incoming Criminal Chief Fred C. Wist II. "As Criminal Chief, I will pursue justice with a focus on community safety, accountability, and equity."

"I've worked with Fred for 30 years and he will be a fantastic asset for the City Attorney's Office," said Mary Robnett, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney. "He is a proven problem-solver who has successfully taken on many of the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office biggest challenges, including building our first dedicated domestic violence unit."

Fred C. Wist II graduated from University of Puget Sound School of Law before joining the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Over 30 years, Wist worked as a trial attorney and supervisor at the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

###