Rachel Moran, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, spoke with WCCO-TV and KSTP about the case of a former Anoka County assistant attorney facing charges related to an alleged sex trafficking operation. Moran discussed the questions the charges raise about the former attorney’s work and whether Anoka County should review cases she was involved in.
From WCCO-TV:
Rachel Moran, a professor of law and director of clinical education at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, says this case is unusual and disturbing.
“It’s a really troubling and in some ways startling case,” Moran said. “I absolutely think Anoka County Attorney’s Office has an obligation to look at everything she was involved in.”
Moran says considering Sampson’s position, justice and accountability are of upmost importance.
“If someone in a position of power is involved in criminal activity, whether they’re using their position of power or not, then certainly they should be held accountable,” she said.
From KSTP:
“I think we should expect some form of review, yes,” said University of St. Thomas Law Professor Rachel Moran.
Moran said what that review looks like depends on the specific types of cases Sampson was involved in. Though even if her work was entirely limited to civil, not criminal, cases, Moran said a review should start right away when a government official in a position of authority is suspected of a serious crime while working for that office.
“The charges she’s facing are serious, and they certainly raise questions about her trustworthiness, about her truthfulness, and her reliability as a representative of the government, and so you want to look into what kind of power was she given? How did she use it?” Moran said.
“So, I think certainly taxpayers have a right to expect a careful investigation. And Anoka County should be able to say what they’re doing to look into her cases.”
