Spokane prosecutor suspected of having relationship with convict

SPOKANE — A Spokane County deputy prosecutor was placed on leave earlier this year because of her relationship with a convict, newly unsealed records state.

The documents show that Marriya Wright is being investigated for suspicion of rendering criminal assistance because of her ties to convicted felon Matthew Baumrucker, KREM reports.

A warrant for drug possession was issued for Baumrucker in early February. He was also being investigated for an assault that occurred in March.

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Witnesses told detectives Baumrucker called Wright for advice and a ride while he was hiding from police, the records state.

There was no answer Saturday when The Associated Press called a number listed for Wright.

Detectives believe the pair exchanged nearly 1,300 texts while Baumrucker was wanted by Spokane police. Detectives also believe Wright gave him a photograph of herself in a bikini while he was in jail, according to the documents unsealed Friday.

Detectives also cited a security video they say shows a man believed to be Baumrucker in Wright’s red SUV during the time he was wanted by authorities. Baumrucker has prominent tattoos on his face. Detectives say Wright gave him and one of his friends a ride to a trailer in Spokane Valley.

Authorities at the Spokane County jail said they initially became suspicions of Wright when she frequently visited Baumrucker in jail after his arrest. Wright visited him 10 times in one month, according to the investigators.

She had marked the nature of the visit as “professional” in jail records which allowed the use of attorney-client visitation rooms.

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