Election 2026: Candidate for Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt

As the 2026 general election approaches, The Washington County Times is publishing written interviews with candidates in contested races affecting Washington County.

The Times reached out to all candidates for whom we were able to obtain contact information and invited them to participate. If you are a candidate in a contested race and have not received an invitation, please contact us so we can make sure you have an opportunity to participate.

Candidates were provided with questions tailored to their campaign, personal history, and the office they are seeking. We encouraged candidates to answer the questions in their own words and to refrain from using ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools when preparing their responses.

All candidate responses have been published as submitted, without editing or alteration. The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates, and any opinions or statements expressed within the following interview are the candidate's own.

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You were first elected as Washington County Prosecutor in 2022. What do you consider  your most significant accomplishment during your first term, and what do you believe  remains unfinished? 

I have been working in the role of a prosecutor since 2017. First as a Deputy Prosecutor and then  as Chief Deputy Prosecutor, before being elected by the citizens of Washington County in 2022.  Since my official role as elected prosecutor began on January 1, 2023, there are many  accomplishments by my office. First, the team that I surround myself with is a great asset for  Washington County. I have three dedicated prosecutors who follow my lead in holding criminals  accountable. Cumulatively, we have over 100 years of legal experience—primarily in litigation and  criminal law. I have a staff of three criminal legal assistants who work diligently to ensure that cases  are processed smoothly and efficiently. One of which also serves as our victim advocate. I also  have 3 caseworkers who manage the child support division. They meet and exceed all federal and  state standards of paternity establishment, child support order establishment and collection of funds.  This office is an around-the-clock undertaking. Both my deputy prosecutors and I are available 24  hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist in investigations that occur. I am very proud of my team. 

The biggest accomplishment in a criminal investigation is working alongside Indiana State Police,  Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, US  Marshalls, Los Angeles, California District Attorneys Office, Jefferson County, Kentucky  Commonwealth Attorneys Office, among others, to bring justice for the little boy found in a  suitcase in the woods of rural Washington County. The mere fact that this young child was able to  be identified (since he was never listed as a missing child) was a miracle, and the work done by law  enforcement to identify and apprehend both his mother, and mother’s friend was the greatest  accomplishment by law enforcement. This investigation is true representation of how our  wonderful community pulls together in times of need and supports our law enforcement officers.  My office was able to prosecute the mother’s friend, Dawn Coleman, ending in a conviction of  conspiracy to commit Murder. Her sworn testimony, as a result of her plea agreement, and 30 year  sentence to the Indiana Department of Correction, with 5 years suspended to probation, is an  important part of the continuing prosecution of the child’s mother, Dejaune Anderson. As much as  I wanted to see the prosecution of the child’s mother here in Washington County to completion, I  had to make a legal decision to ensure that justice would be served, by sending the case to the  jurisdiction of Jefferson County, Kentucky. I continue to support the Jefferson County  Commonwealth Attorneys Office as they prosecute her to the fullest extent of the law. 

I am also proud of the work done by my team, especially my Chief Deputy Prosecutor, who  manages the prosecution of sex crimes in our county. We have worked closely to support law  enforcement agencies in their investigations of sex crimes. We have increased both the number of  sex crime case convictions (both adult and child victims) and the number of years incarcerated.  These cases are some of the most difficult and challenging cases to prosecute, with many factors  contributing to the outcomes. However, we work closely with the victims and do what we can  under the law to hold those who violate victims in the most personal ways accountable. 

Lastly, I have made it a priority to develop a close, working relationship with all three of our  community school corporations. The future of our community is with our children. Teachers and  administrators are on the front line of supporting the youth in their care. On most days, this goes  beyond the classroom into issues a child may be facing at home. I have worked with school administrations and school resource officers on issues of truancy, controlled substances brought into the school and holding children accountable for criminal acts on school grounds. Our schools  should be a safe place for children to learn and grow into successful young adults.  

Since you took office, Washington County has seen a significant decline in the number of  criminal cases filed each year. What is your interpretation of that trend, and what factors do  you believe have contributed to the decrease? 

Case filings are always in flux. As with any data, it depends on the narrator to complete the story. I  would respectfully disagree that there is a significant decline in cases; however, this can be explained  in two ways.  

First, case filings go down when crime goes down. That is a pretty sensical viewpoint on case  filings. If officers aren’t responding to crimes, there are less reports to submit to my office for  review, and thus, less filings. I would agree that criminals, especially drug dealers, large organized  theft organizations, etc., do not want to “do business” in Washington County. They know that they  will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted on terms unlike surrounding counties. They will be  held on full-cash bail, they will do significant time in the Indiana Department of Corrections, and for  those who violated any probationary period, they will serve that time incarcerated as well. Local city,  county and state officers are also consistently patrolling our roads and communities. Their  commitment to the safety of Washington County also deters people from committing criminal acts. 

Second, a factor that can affect the number of criminal filings is the number of officers conducting  investigations and submitting reports. Over the past few years, our local law enforcement agencies  have struggled with the state/national trend of less individuals choosing law enforcement as a career.  With surrounding counties and the state offering competitive benefit packages for officers, it has  been an unfortunate trend for many rural law enforcement agencies to lose officers to other agencies  who are able to offer better benefits. I have always supported our law enforcement agencies in their  need for necessary equipment and voiced my support on a salary increase to keep our agencies  competitive in southern Indiana. When agencies are not fully staffed, it is only rational that the  number of investigations and subsequent reports making it to my office decline. I will continue to  work with our local law enforcement agencies to provide support and training for those officers who  choose to keep Washington County safe. 

Washington County continues to see a significant number of drug-related arrests. What  do you believe is the most effective way to address the county's drug problem, and where do  you believe prosecution fits into the larger picture of prevention and treatment? 

Drug-related arrests are a continuing problem across the entire country. However, we must  continue to hold people accountable who continue to break the law. A Prosecutor’s role is not the  same as a probation officer, a therapist, or a social worker. While everyone has an important role to  play in combatting the drug problem, my role is accountability. My role is to pursue criminal  charges for those that choose to commit crimes—no matter what the crime or level of offense. I do  not want to see communities fall into the trap of drug crimes are victimless, they shouldn’t be  prosecuted, they should go straight to treatment. This pattern does not work. We only have to take  a look at other states to see how progressive prosecutors’ choices to not criminalize drug possession,  does not work. You can look at cities such as Boston, Los Angelas, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and  even Indianapolis, to see how ignoring some, if not all, drug crimes turn their city streets into a 

third-world country. Officers must stand by and watch as individuals get high in public parks, near  playgrounds, and pass out on street corners. There is no accountability and the rule-following  citizens are the ones who pay the ultimate price.  

Drug crimes are not victimless. Drug use results in increased traffic accidents, thefts, domestic  batteries and neglect of dependents. The increased traffic accidents increase insurance premiums,  theft (no matter how small) are passed down by businesses to the consumer. Children of parents  who are using or dealing within the home are at an increased rate of neglect and sexual abuse. 

Unfortunately, the drug cases may increase on paper, but you also must consider what the crime rate  would be if you ignored the drug cases and didn’t prosecute. The number of all other crimes would  increase dramatically, and our small towns would not look the same.  

A continued goal for my next term is to educate the public. Educating the parents as to the new  drugs that are being introduced to their children. Educating the school administration and teachers  as to what the latest trends are. The legalization of marijuana is the most misunderstood problem  across our country. The THC in vapes, edibles, or other commercially marketed products are not  insignificant. The actual marijuana plants cultivated today are not the plants many people associate  with marijuana from 50 years ago. TCH is a psychedelic drug. It has the same effects as LSD. The  THC % in plants from 50 years ago was approximately 3-5%--today it’s upwards of 25-30%. The  THC found in vaping liquid, gummies, drinks, etc. are upward of 80%. The studies that have been  done since legalization took place in Colorado and Canada are astounding. The effect on developing  brains of children who use the current THC products (even occasionally) have a significant change  of developing a psychiatric disorder. The most alarming statistic from studies shows an increased  suicide rate in youth and young adults who use. This is because the high concentrate TCH affects  the mood receptors of the brain.  

I will continue to prosecute drug cases, all drug cases, for as long as they are held to be illegal in  Indiana. I will continue to entertain conversations with families who reach out and ask for me to  keep their loved one incarcerated. Why would they ask this? Because they know their family  member is safe in jail. It takes away the worry of where the person is and if they are going to receive  the phone call of an overdose. I also have crafted plea agreements that place additional terms of  treatment, to give the defendant an extra layer of accountability and focus on remaining drug free. 

Most of the defendants prosecuted by my office are Washington County residents. I must hold  these individuals accountable, but I also understand that they will be returning to our community  after the completion of their sentence if incarcerated or while out on probation. I want the person  to be successful. I do not want to see them repeat their behavior. However, that is a choice they  must make on their own—not as a condition set upon them by the court system. I support  programs that work with defendants who have substance abuse issues. There is a need for  organizations to help guide defendants down the path of recovery. My responsibility is to keep our  communities and citizens safe and for some, that may be jail. 

How do you determine when a criminal case should be pursued aggressively, when a plea  agreement is appropriate, and when charges should be reduced or dismissed?

Prosecutors, by law, are considered “ministers of justice”. We are bound to maintain the highest  level of integrity and ensure that the criminal case is fair and just for everyone involved, including  the defendant.  

There are many factors that a Prosecutor takes into consideration when determining if a case can be  filed, what the charges should be? what does the evidence support? Is this a first-time or repeat  offender? Did the crime result in injury or death? What does the law allow for a sentence? Can I get  a just and appropriate plea that fits the crime without a trial? Does a trial need to occur? What is the  victim’s position? Has any evidence changed? Did the weight of the drugs come back heavier or  lighter than estimated? Has the defendant made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself/herself?  Are they a Veteran? Are they appropriate for Veteran’s Court?  

I review each report with these same types of questions. If it appears a case cannot be proved  beyond a reasonable doubt, then it may not get filed. If a weight of a drug comes back low from the  lab the level of felony that can be pursued will change.  

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to the criminal justice system. I take this role very seriously  and make decisions on what I believe is in the interest of justice for each particular case. 

Victims can sometimes feel that the criminal justice system is focused more on the defendant than on them. What does your office do to keep victims informed and involved  throughout the prosecution of a case? 

My office takes an active role ensuring that each victim is informed and involved from the onset of  each case. The victim advocate reaches out to every victim requesting that he/she complete a victim  statement with their wishes on issues concerning the resolution of a case to whether he/she is  requesting restitution. Each victim is also provided with a copy of the victim’s bill of rights set forth  by the legislature. Victims maintain a direct line of communication with our victim advocate.  Victims meet with the prosecutor(s) handling the case at various points throughout a case, including  preparation for a hearing and trial. They are apprised of court dates throughout the pendency of the  case. 

When a case includes charges of a crime against a person (i.e. battery, neglect, intimidation, etc.), my  office files a criminal no contact order pursuant to statute, that protects a victim from contact with  the defendant. Victims are informed that a no contact order exists. This is a decision that is done  for the victim(s) best interest in preventing any future situations where harm to the victim could  result. It is the policy of my office not to dismiss a no contact order prior to the resolution of the  case. It is my office’s role to protect a victim, and any changes to that during the pendency of a case  must come from a Judge after a hearing is held.  

While there are victim’s rights set forth by the legislature, the ultimate decision on the resolution of a  case lies with my office. Again, difficult decisions are made by my office every day and the victim’s  situation and position are important factors taken into consideration.

What do you believe is the appropriate balance between working closely with local law enforcement and maintaining the independent judgment of the prosecutor's office when  deciding whether and how to pursue charges? 

A prosecutor is considered the chief law enforcement officer of the county. Developing and  maintaining a relationship with city, county, state and federal law enforcement is important in the  development of strong investigations. I maintain that relationship so that officers know that they  can reach out to any of the prosecutors in my office and any time day or night if they need assistance  with legal standards or procedures.  

That rapport does not equate to my office directing an officer on how to investigate or who to  arrest. Those decisions solely fall upon the officer. We are there to ensure that they understand  what law applies to a particular situation—then they can make an informed decision.  

There are many layers of discretion in a criminal case. A law enforcement agency has its own  internal policies and discretion on whether an issue is criminal in nature, whether to arrest someone  outright or just file a report with my office. My office is then responsible for reviewing the reports  submitted by an officer to determine if there is probable cause to support the arrest, or to support  an arrest warrant being issued, or perhaps issue a Summons. The final layer of discretion lies with a  jury or with the court as the fact finder in a bench trial or sentencing decisions.  

The ability to review the evidence presented by an officer’s investigation and apply it to the criminal  laws is independent review that I make on each report—entirely separate from my working  relationships with the officers.  

Washington County has a relatively small prosecutor's office handling everything from  routine misdemeanor cases to serious felony offenses. Are the office's current staffing and resources adequate? If not, what additional resources are needed? 

Our office is comprised of myself, 2 full-time deputy prosecutors and 1 part-time deputy prosecutor; 3 criminal legal assistants and 3 child support caseworkers. We review all criminal police reports and  file cases comprised of Class A, B, and C misdemeanors and Level 1-6 felonies and Murder. We see  each case through to completion. All modification requests, expungement requests, and Petitions for Post-Conviction Relief are handled by my office. We also are responsible for all infractions filed  for traffic violations as well as infractions from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. My  office also manages the Child Support IV-D Division for the State of Indiana.  

Unlike defense counsel whose involvement doesn’t start until the initial hearing; prosecutors are  involved from the onset of an investigation. Including assistance with search warrant review,  attendance at homicide scenes and autopsies. There can be countless hours spent by a prosecutor’s  office during an investigation before a report makes it to our desk for review on charges. 

Unlike the Indiana Public Defender Council that has stringent requirements for caseload numbers allowed per attorney, the prosecutors have no such written rules. However, the Indiana Prosecuting  Attorneys Council has in recent years compiled data from each judicial circuit across the state to  determine if there is a need for more Prosecutors and more staff. Utilizing the same criteria as the Public Defenders Council, it has been determined that there is a massive shortage of prosecuting attorneys across the state given the caseloads. In the 42^nd Judicial Circuit (which is comprised of  Washington County) it has been determined we are short one full-time attorney and a half a staff  member.  

My office is not afraid of hard work, and the cumulative legal experience of over 100 years between  the prosecutors has helped to maintain the current caseload without the expense of an additional  prosecutor or staff. However, at some point in the future, this may be a discussion that I will need  to address with Washington County Commissioners and Council. 

If re-elected, what is the single biggest change or priority you want to pursue during your  second term? 

My biggest priority is to continue to support and train officers in the investigation of sex crimes and  child abuse cases. These are some of the most difficult cases to pursue; however, the victims cannot  be forgotten. My Chief Deputy is dedicated in pursuing defendants who offend in the most heinous ways against victims in our community. Obtaining convictions on sex crimes and child neglect,  pursuing no contact orders, and ensuring mandatory sex offender registration are all tools in  obtaining justice for victims. We will continue to make this a priority.  

I will also continue to ensure that drug dealers do not find Washington County a great place to do  business. I will pursue convictions placing dealers in the Indiana Department of Corrections for  many years as they are damaging our communities and ruining families. Since I began working as a  deputy prosector handling drug cases in March of 2017, there have been over 70 drug dealers  convicted and serving time in the Indiana Department of Corrections. Just in the past 7 months, 5  drug dealers were convicted, sentenced to a combined 95 years in IDOC. Dealers don’t want to do  business in Washington County, and I plan on keeping it that way.