Crime & Safety
Ocean County Prosecutor To Reluctantly Step Down On Oct. 8
Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato asked for more time from the Governor's office, but did not get it
TOMS RIVER, NJ - Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato had hoped for more time to continue in his job.
But that is not happening. So Coronato will submit his letter of resignation to Governor Phil Murphy's office effective Oct. 8.
County prosecutors are appointed by the governor and typically serve a five-year term. Coronato, a Republican, was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie to replace Democrat Marlene Lynch Ford.
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"I was blessed to have this job," Coronato said. "I was disappointed to hear I have to leave. But all good things have to come to an end. We have been able to accomplish a lot."
Coronato has made it his mission to combat the devastating opioid and drug addiction problem in Ocean County over the past five years.
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His office began arming and training police officers and school district nurses with Narcan. His was the first non-federal digital forensic crime lab in the state. The Prosecutor's Office's Major Crimes Unit now responds to all overdose deaths in the county to determine the dealer and the drug source.
Spokesman Al Della Fave, Coronato's longtime assistant, will also be leaving.
He posted his thoughts on the Prosecutor's Office Facebook page.
"Bittersweet feelings today filming what most likely will be the last public statement for OCPO, barring (God forbid) any unforeseen calamities, as we enter the final three weeks of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato’s appointment," Della Fave wrote. "Been a great ride in terms of the outstanding enforcement accomplishments, initiatives and statewide firsts implemented over the last 5 years. OCPO has never been in better shape. I was truly blessed to have been a part of it. Nothing better than going out on top. No mouthpiece fluff - just fact. I thank Prosecutor Coronato and all the great folks at OCPO for making going to work so fulfilling and fun."
Gov. Phil Murphy has nominated Bradley D. Billheimer to replace Coronato, his office said. The state Senate must approve the nomination.
Photo:Courtesy of Ocean County Prosecutor's Office
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