WILLITS – Mendocino County officials reported that the Willits branch of the Mendocino County Superior Court has closed.

The closure becomes effective Monday, Jan. 4.

All cases and case files have been transferred to the Ukiah court at 100 N. State St., include cases from

Covelo (Round Valley) previously handled by the Willits branch. Hearings will still be held in Covelo at the Round Valley Community Center.

Despite the Willits courthouse closure, Mendocino County District Attorney Meredith Lintott reported that her office will continue to provide services to the Willits community and victims of crime at its Willits office location.

However, with all criminal cases transferred to Ukiah, the deputy district attorneys currently assigned to the Willits office will be transferred to the Ukiah office, Lintott reported.

The investigator currently assigned to the Willits and Fort Bragg Branch offices will remain in the Willits office, as will one secretary, to assist with public contacts and transferring reports to Ukiah, according to Lintott.

The Mendocino County District Attorney's Office Victim Witness program will maintain office hours at the Willits branch on the third Thursday of the month.

Lintott said by maintaining services at the Willits branch, the goal is to provide victims, witnesses and members of the community the opportunity to meet with the members of the District Attorney’s Office regarding their cases and concerns.

The Willits Police Department continues to remain open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, officials reported. When the District Attorney’s Office Willits branch is closed for business, correspondence can be left at the Willits Police Department on the first level of the Willits Justice Center.

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