Essex County Prosecutors Change Guard: Stephens In, Laurino Out

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy has appointed Theodore “Ted” Stephens II to serve as the Acting Essex County Prosecutor.

Stephens will be formally nominated to serve as Essex County Prosecutor later this month, a position that will require confirmation by the state Senate, Murphy’s office stated in a news release on Tuesday.

“I am proud to appoint Ted Stephens to serve as Acting Essex County Prosecutor,” Murphy said. “Ted has dedicated his life to public service, and his years of experience and knowledge will allow him to serve as a strong leader in this role. I look forward to working with Ted as he fulfills the mission of seeking justice for the people of New Jersey.”

“I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity to serve the people of Essex County as Prosecutor and am grateful to Governor Murphy for his confidence in appointing me to this critical role,” Stephens said. “I look forward to working with law enforcement and the community to ensure that the vital mission of promoting safety and justice in Essex County will be performed in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, excellence and service.”

According to Murphy’s office, Stephens was sworn in as the Essex County Surrogate in 2012, where he presided over the Essex County Court. Prior to becoming Essex County Surrogate, Ted began his legal career as the Eastern Region Attorney for Unisys Corporation, followed by the role of Corporation Counsel for the City of East Orange.

He began his judicial career in 1994 when he was appointed a judge of the East Orange Municipal Court. In 2004, he was then appointed to the bench of the City of Orange Township Municipal Court.

“Every day each of the twenty-one prosecutors appointed to serve as their individual county’s highest law enforcement officer is tasked with investigating crimes, prosecuting difficult and varied cases, and working with local police departments,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. “I would like to thank Acting Essex County Prosecutor Bob Laurino for his tireless service to the citizens of Essex County and I look forward to working with Ted Stephens as he takes on this critical role. Together we will work to strengthen the relationships between the police and the communities they serve, to reduce violent crime, and to fight the opioid crisis.”

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to be able to serve the citizens of Essex County as their Acting Prosecutor on two occasions,” said outgoing Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino. “It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a career prosecutor. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is one of the most outstanding offices in the country due to the exceptional group of attorneys, detectives, and support staff that have dedicated their professional careers to this Office. We congratulate Theodore Stephens on his appointment as Acting Prosecutor and look forward to working with him as we continue to seek, serve, and do justice for all in our County.”

Stephens earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Glassboro State College and a Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He is a lifelong resident of New Jersey.

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