Raymond Santiago, Freehold Attorney, Gets Monmouth Prosecutor Nod

FREEHOLD, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy has nominated Raymond Santiago of Freehold to serve as the next Monmouth County Prosecutor.

Santiago’s nomination will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation, and he will assume the role of Acting Prosecutor on Friday, Oct. 7, the Governor's office said Thursday in a news release.

“I am proud to nominate Raymond Santiago to serve as Monmouth County Prosecutor,” said Murphy. “His extensive legal experience, which includes time both as a prosecutor and as a public defender, makes him well equipped to lead the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in an even-handed and fair-minded manner."

Santiago will replace current Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey, who has served since June of 2021 and was the first woman to hold that position. She succeeded Christopher J. Gramiccioni, who resigned as prosecutor on June 1, 2021.

Santiago lives in Freehold, and has lived and worked in Monmouth County for over 20 years.

He was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1996 and received his law degree from the City University of New York School of Law at Queens College.

"I look forward to his success, and I am confident that he will bring the same dedication to his new role that he has demonstrated throughout his career," Murphy said of Santiago.

Murphy also referred to Santiago's Hispanic heritage:

"Today’s nomination, which I am pleased to make during Hispanic Heritage Month, also furthers our commitment to ensuring that leadership at all levels of law enforcement reflects the great diversity of our state.”

Santiago thanked Murphy for the nomination: “It is a tremendous honor and privilege. All of my life's experiences have prepared me for this moment and I am grateful to each person that has uniquely prepared me for the tasks ahead.

"I am eager for the opportunity to serve the residents of Monmouth County by ensuring that justice is fairly and equally served.

"Further, I look forward to working with members of law enforcement to not only protect all persons that live, work or visit but, to actively be part of the communities that we serve."

Currently, Santiago heads the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C., which is based in Freehold and focuses on the litigation of criminal and immigration law.

According to ballotpedia.org, Santiago was a 2011 Democratic candidate for District 11 of the New Jersey State Senate. He was defeated by then-Republican candidate Jennifer Beck in the general election that year.

In 1999, Santiago was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. Upon leaving that office, he entered private practice.

He has also served as a public defender for municipalities in Monmouth County and as a pool attorney for the State of New Jersey Public Defender’s Office, Monmouth Vicinage since 2002, where he has assisted indigent defendants faced with various crimes or offenses.

Santiago "brings to this role unique and valuable experience that includes public service as both a prosecutor as well as a public defender, in addition to his experience in private practice," said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. "He is a highly skilled attorney with a strong commitment to justice, and deep roots in the Monmouth County community."

“Ray is an immensely skilled individual who has proven to be a committed advocate for Monmouth County residents through his work as a public defender in our local communities,” said State Sen. Vin Gopal, D- Long Branch. “He is the perfect candidate to build on the incredible work Acting Prosecutor Linskey did to promote justice and safety in Monmouth County.”