Woman Makes History In Burlington County

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — LaChia L. Bradshaw was sworn in as Acting Burlington County Prosecutor on Wednesday, becoming the first woman and the first person of color to hold the position, according to a news release.

Bradshaw earned her law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law, the news release said. Immediately before her new position, she was Burlington County's Senior Assistant Prosecutor in the Major Crimes Unit – Special Victims Section. Bradshaw replaced Scott Coffina, who held the office for a five-year term before returning to the private sector.

She was nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy last month and will need confirmation by the State Senate before the 'acting' can be removed from her title. The significance of her nomination was not lost on her.

"Even as a career prosecutor, I never imagined it was possible to obtain this position. Primarily because I'd never seen anyone in this county who looked like me in this position," she said. "I hope to encourage and inspire all people, and particularly people of color, to consider careers in law enforcement and prosecution and become as passionate about it as I am."

Bradshaw went to work almost immediately after her swearing-in ceremony. She announced her selection of Patrick J. Thornton as the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Chief of Detectives, according to the news release.

Thornton will replace Darren Anderson, who retired from the position last week, according to Burlington County's Facebook page.

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