BEND, OR -- Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel will step down at the end of the month. He’s served as the county’s top prosecutor since 2014.

“In essence the community was saying ‘hey, we want you to keep us safe as District Attorney.’ And working with law enforcement and my team in the DA’s office, we’ve done that. There are fewer crimes of violence committed every year now, than when I started in Deschutes County,” said Hummel

Along with the daily challenges and successes in the courthouse, he is proud of the cooperative work between his office, local law-enforcement, and non-profit groups, “The innovative crime prevention programs we’ve brought forward; (including) the Veterans Intervention program.”

He expects a seamless transfer in the DA’s office when long-serving Chief Deputy Steve Gunnels takes over January 2nd. “Steve Gunnels has been in our office for 28 years as a deputy attorney. He’s been my chief deputy attorney during my entire 8-year tenure. So, we’re continuing to work closely on this transition.”

Gunnels ran for the office unopposed and was elected in May.
Hummel has no current plans to run for office again, but says he hopes to continue serving the public in some capacity.