Jefferson County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Julie St. Marie has been recognized for her “exceptional work” by Pasado’s Safe Haven, an animal cruelty sanctuary and rehabilitation nonprofit based in Sultan.

St. Marie was presented with the 2019 Bucky Award for Exceptional Performance in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases.

The award was given for her successful prosecution in the 2018-19 first-degree animal cruelty case involving the neglect and abuse of bison in Chimacum.

“We received many case submissions, all of which demonstrated exceptional work in this field,” Kim Koon, Pasado’s director of investigations and rescue operations, said when announcing the award. “However, your perseverance, tenacity and dedication to getting justice in your case stood out. We are honored to recognize you and your dedication to these cases.”

St. Marie received a $1,000 grant to be used for continued training and tools in the field of animal cruelty.

The Bucky Award is named in memory of a canine that was brutally killed in 2010. This special recognition is part of Pasado’s Safe Haven’s ongoing effort to help train, support and acknowledge law enforcement and prosecutors. 

Jefferson County Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Ashcraft submitted St. Marie’s name for award consideration.

Pasado’s Safe Haven is an organization dedicated to investigating animal cruelty crimes, providing sanctuary and rehabilitation to animals who have suffered from abuse and neglect, advocating for better laws to protect animals, and educating the public about how they can help end animal cruelty. For more information, go to www.pasadosafehaven.org.