Okanogan judge calls in people who shirk jury duty

OKANOGAN — An Okanogan County Superior Court Judge has issued court summons to about 100 people who ignored their jury summons in September.

Judge Jack Burchard says he decided to act because only about half the people who have been summoned have been showing up for jury duty in Okanogan.

The Wenatchee World reported the court summons gives the jury shirkers until Nov. 5 to appear before the judge and explain themselves.

The court summons notes a state law that says it’s a misdemeanor to ignore jury service. The penalty is up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.