New Prosecutor Takes The Helm In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Former Somerset County Superior Court Judge John P. McDonald was officially sworn in as the new Somerset County Prosecutor on Friday.

Somerset County Superior Court Judge Peter J. Tober administered the oath of office at the Somerset County Historic Courthouse on Friday.

McDonald was nominated on June 9 by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to serve as the next Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Somerset County.

McDonald's nomination was forwarded to the Senate Judiciary Committee which approved his nomination. On Wednesday, June 29, McDonald was confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Somerset County Prosecutor.

McDonald will replace Annmarie Taggart who was serving as Acting Prosecutor since April 1. Prior to Taggart, Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella had been leading the agency since Michael Robertson resigned as of Jan. 28 to go to private practice with O’Toole Scrivo Law Firm.Robertson had taken over the office in 2016.

As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for Somerset County, McDonald will manage and supervise all county law enforcement functions, across 21 municipalities and 19 police departments, with more than 700 sworn law enforcement officers.

McDonald has served as a Superior Court Judge in Somerset County since July 2017. A Watchung resident, McDonald is a graduate of Seton Hall Law School and served in private practice in Somerville.

"We are delighted to have a Somerset County resident and former Superior Court Judge with his extensive experience serving the people of Somerset County," said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. "We congratulate Somerset County Prosecutor McDonald, and Governor Phil Murphy for making a fine choice."

"In choosing a county resident with so much local judicial experience, Governor Murphy has put the needs of our county residents first," said Deputy Director Melonie Marano. "I know my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners join with me in pledging to support Judge McDonald, and his new office, as he protects and defends the people of Somerset County."

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