Essex County District Attorney: Upholding Justice and Protecting the Community

Essex County District Attorney’s Office

Established in 1836, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office is the oldest district attorney’s office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The office is responsible for prosecuting all criminal cases in Essex County, which includes the cities of Lawrence, Lynn, Haverhill, and Salem, as well as 30 other towns.

The District Attorney’s Office is headed by the District Attorney, who is elected to a four-year term by the voters of Essex County. The current District Attorney is Jonathan Blodgett. The office is divided into several divisions, including the Trial Division, the Juvenile Division, and the Special Victims Unit.

Responsibilities of the District Attorney

The District Attorney is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all criminal cases in Essex County. The office also provides legal advice to law enforcement agencies and represents the Commonwealth in court.

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the public safety and ensuring that justice is served in Essex County.

Current District Attorney of Essex County

The current District Attorney of Essex County is Jonathan W. Blodgett. He was elected in 2018 and took office in January 2019.

Blodgett is a lifelong resident of Essex County. He graduated from Bowdoin College and Boston College Law School. Before becoming District Attorney, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Essex County for 17 years. During that time, he prosecuted a wide range of cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, and drug offenses.

Priorities and Goals

Blodgett’s priorities as District Attorney include:

• Reducing violent crime
• Protecting victims of crime
• Holding criminals accountable
• Reforming the criminal justice system

Blodgett has implemented a number of initiatives to achieve these goals, including:

• Creating a new Violent Crime Task Force
• Expanding victim services
• Implementing a new diversion program for low-level offenders
• Working with community partners to address the root causes of crime

High-Profile Cases Handled by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office has handled numerous high-profile cases that have garnered significant public attention and had a profound impact on the Essex County community. These cases have involved serious crimes, such as murder, assault, and drug trafficking, and have often presented complex legal and evidentiary challenges.

The office has successfully prosecuted several high-profile murder cases, including the 2013 murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player, and the 2015 murder of Bianca Devins, a 17-year-old high school student. In both cases, the office secured convictions and lengthy prison sentences for the perpetrators.

Prosecution of Aaron Hernandez

One of the most high-profile cases handled by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office was the prosecution of Aaron Hernandez, a former New England Patriots football player. Hernandez was charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. The case involved a complex investigation and trial, and the office successfully secured a first-degree murder conviction against Hernandez. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Prosecution of Michelle Carter

Another high-profile case handled by the office was the prosecution of Michelle Carter, a young woman who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III. The case involved the use of text messages and social media to encourage Roy to commit suicide. The office successfully argued that Carter’s actions had directly contributed to Roy’s death, and she was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

These high-profile cases have had a significant impact on the Essex County community. They have raised awareness of serious crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The office’s successful prosecution of these cases has demonstrated its commitment to justice and its ability to handle complex and challenging legal matters.

Initiatives and Programs of the Essex County District Attorney’s Office

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office has implemented various initiatives and programs aimed at crime prevention, victim support, and community outreach. These initiatives are designed to address the root causes of crime, provide support and assistance to victims, and foster a safer and more just community.

One of the key initiatives is the Community Prosecution Program, which assigns prosecutors to work closely with specific communities. These prosecutors are responsible for addressing local crime issues, building relationships with residents, and developing tailored strategies to reduce crime and improve public safety.

Victim Services Program

The District Attorney’s Office also operates a comprehensive Victim Services Program that provides support and assistance to victims of crime. The program offers a range of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. The program also works to ensure that victims have a voice in the criminal justice process and are treated with respect and dignity.

Community Outreach and Education

The District Attorney’s Office recognizes the importance of community outreach and education in preventing crime and promoting public safety. The office conducts numerous outreach programs in schools, community centers, and other public venues. These programs focus on educating the public about crime prevention, the criminal justice system, and the importance of civic engagement.

Collaboration and Partnerships with Other Law Enforcement Agencies

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office collaborates extensively with various law enforcement agencies to enhance its effectiveness and ensure comprehensive public safety. These partnerships facilitate information sharing, resource pooling, and coordinated efforts, ultimately leading to improved crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution.

One key partnership is with the Massachusetts State Police, which provides specialized resources and assistance in major investigations, such as homicides and organized crime cases. The District Attorney’s Office also works closely with local police departments within Essex County, coordinating efforts on community policing initiatives, drug enforcement, and domestic violence response.

Federal Agencies

At the federal level, the District Attorney’s Office collaborates with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These partnerships enable access to federal databases, specialized training, and resources for investigating complex crimes with interstate or national implications, such as human trafficking and cybercrimes.

Community Organizations

Recognizing the importance of community engagement, the District Attorney’s Office also fosters partnerships with local community organizations. These collaborations focus on crime prevention, victim support, and restorative justice initiatives. By working together, the District Attorney’s Office and community organizations can address underlying social factors that contribute to crime and promote a safer and more just community.

Public Outreach and Engagement by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office

The Essex County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the critical importance of public outreach and engagement in fostering a strong and just criminal justice system. Through various initiatives and programs, the office actively seeks to connect with the community, build trust, and encourage dialogue.

Community Forums and Town Hall Meetings

The District Attorney’s Office hosts regular community forums and town hall meetings in neighborhoods across Essex County. These events provide opportunities for residents to meet with prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and community leaders to discuss crime-related issues, share concerns, and offer suggestions.

School and Youth Programs

The office collaborates with local schools and youth organizations to educate students about the law, crime prevention, and the role of the criminal justice system. These programs aim to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and young people, promote respect for the law, and encourage responsible decision-making.

Victim Support and Advocacy

The District Attorney’s Office provides comprehensive support and advocacy services to victims of crime. Victims’ rights advocates assist victims throughout the criminal justice process, offering emotional support, legal guidance, and resources to help them navigate the system.

Community Advisory Board

The office has established a Community Advisory Board comprised of residents from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The board provides feedback on policies, programs, and initiatives, ensuring that the District Attorney’s Office remains responsive to the needs of the community.