Jon Tunheim
Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney

Mission Statement

The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will perform its constitutional and statutory duties by serving as a highly skilled and innovative legal team advocating for public safety, seeking justice in criminal cases for victims and those accused, representing the interests of children, and providing effective legal services to Thurston County government.

Biography of Jon Tunheim

       Jon Tunheim received his undergraduate degree in physics from South Dakota State University, and his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law). While in law school, he joined the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a legal intern. After graduating from law school, Tunheim became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Thurston County in 1990 and served the office most recently as Chief Deputy since 2003. During his career, Tunheim has personally prosecuted cases involving charges ranging from drug possession to murder, specializing in the prosecution of sexual assault, domestic violence and crimes against children. As a Deputy Prosecutor, he was a leader in the effort to form Monarch Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center, an organization which provides coordinated services to child victims of abuse and neglect.

       Tunheim is an active member of the legal community. Having served  as a member of the Government Lawyers Bar Association since 2006, and as its president from 2007–2009. He led the formation of the Association of Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys and was its first president from 2000–2001. He has also served on the SPSCC Paralegal Advisory Board since 2007, and currently serves as its president.

       In addition, Tunheim actively supports local charitable efforts. He served on the board of Child Care Action Council, and was its president from 2007-2010. He serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, and was its president from 2006–2008. He also serves on the board of the Family Support Center of South Sound and is an active member of the West Olympia Rotary Club.

       Tunheim was named a “21st Century Leader” by The Olympian.  He was also presented with the “Champions for Kids” award from Together! in 2008, the Thurston Community Network’s “Making a Difference in the Life of a Child” award in 2009, and most recently the “Local Hero Award” from the Washington State Bar Association. Jon and his wife Marcia have four active sons.