2009-11-10 13:06:04 -

Peter J. Orput, Assistant Hennepin County Attorney, announced today that he is running for Washington County Attorney. Orput, 54, served as Assistant Washington County Attorney from 1990-1997. He brings more than 20 years of leadership and experience in protecting public safety and prosecuting the worst criminals. Orput’s previous positions include service as Deputy Minnesota Attorney General (Public Protection Section, including

Criminal Prosecution, Criminal Appeals and Public Safety Divisions), Director of Policy and Legal Services with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and as a prosecutor in Carver, Dakota and Mille Lacs counties. He has successfully prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases over the course of his career. In the past three years alone, Orput has served as lead prosecutor in 41 trials, including four first-degree murder prosecutions. He is a recognized expert in his field and lectures frequently on criminal justice issues in Minnesota and nationally. Orput served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973-1976 and taught high school before earning his law degree in 1988.

“I am running for Washington County Attorney because I feel strongly that protecting and enhancing the quality of life we have come to enjoy in the communities of Washington County matters,” said Orput. “It matters to parents and the residents of the neighborhoods we serve, it matters to school administrators and community organizations, and it matters to the law enforcement officials we entrust to protect the public safety. I also believe that to be effective, and ultimately successful in the role, nothing matters more than experience. The individual with the most experience and the best qualifications to lead the office, and do so in a cost-effective manner, should be elected the next Washington County Attorney. Over the coming months, I look forward to engaging with the residents of Washington County, addressing their concerns and explaining why I believe my successful record of public service makes me uniquely qualified for the position and deserving of their support.”

Among Orput’s supporters on hand at today’s announcement, held at American Legion Post 48 in Stillwater, was Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. “Pete Orput has earned the respect of his colleagues, the police and the communities he supports,” said Freeman. “His varied prosecutorial experience, excellent trial skills and commitment to justice set him apart from others. You can trust this former Marine to make a positive difference in Washington County.”


Orput is an adjunct professor in the Police Science department of St.

Mary's University of Minnesota, where he teaches Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement Leadership, and lectures regularly for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, The Minnesota County Attorneys Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association. Orput has three children, is a Minnesota native and resides in Washington County with his wife Tami.

For further information, please visit www.orput.org : .

You may also contact Pete at peteorput@gmail.com : mailto:peteorput@gmail.com , phone (651)592-1289 or write to: The Committee to Elect Pete Orput Washington County Attorney, P.O. Box 2190, Stillwater, MN 55802.



The Committee to Elect Pete Orput Washington County AttorneyPeter

J. Orput, 651-592-1289 peteorput@gmail.com : mailto:peteorput@gmail.com