KING COUNTY, Wash. — Patrick Lavin, chair of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Special Assault Unit, is leveraging his background as a former all-state football player to prevent the very crimes he prosecutes, teaching young athletes about respect and personal responsibility through a program that uses the language of sports to deliver life-changing lessons.

Lavin, who prosecutes felony sexual assaults against adults and physical and sexual abuse of children, has partnered with his former high school football coach to reach young people before they engage in harmful behavior. Rather than waiting to handle cases in the courtroom, he returns to athletic fields across Washington state with a preventive mission.

"I'm trying to put myself out of business," Lavin said.

The prosecu

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