Mercer County Prosecutor's Office

Last night, MCPO Detective Michael J. Smith and NJ Department of Corrections Investigator Kerr-Duane Merrington, who are assigned to the Mercer County Cyber Crimes Task Force, instructed at the Robbinsville Township Police Department's Adult Citizens Police Academy. Detective Smith and Investigator Merrington gave a presentation on conducting digital forensic examinations and cyber crime investigations. The Robbinsville Township Adult Citizens Police Academy is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community by providing a working knowledge and understanding of police operations and units.

Please join Acting Prosecutor Theresa Hilton and First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis in welcoming Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Cranford to the MCPO team. AP Cranford were sworn in last week by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history and political science from La Salle University and her law degree from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Congratulations, AP Cranford!

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is currently seeking attorneys who have been admitted to practice in New Jersey to serve as Assistant Prosecutors. All applicants are subject to pre-employment tests: drug, physical and criminal background check. Assistant Prosecutors may be eligible for forgiveness of federal student loans under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program or the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Grant Program. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office is comprised of attorneys, investigators and support staff totaling approximately 200. This office has the primary prosecution authority for offenses committed in Mercer County and handles approximately 5,000 indictable offenses each year ranging from murder trials to municipal appeals and everything in between. The office is also responsible for non-indictable domestic violence matters, juvenile offenses, appeals, civil forfeiture, Megan’s Law notifications and serving as police legal adviser. Individuals seeking employment with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office should forward a resume and cover letter to:   Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Attn: Acting Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton 209 South Broad Street P.O. Box 8068 Trenton, NJ 08650-0068 or email resume and cover letter to mcpoemployment@mercercounty.org. Mercer County is an EOE/AA/ADA Employer.

Many members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office attended this week’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Breaking Barriers, held by Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and the Division of Culture & Heritage. Our own Captain of Detectives Nancy Diaz joined guest speakers Christian Esteves, director of Mercer County Workforce Development, and Alejandra M. Silva (MS HRD, SHRM-CP), acting director of the Mercer County Office of Personnel, to share inspiring personal stories and experiences, and recognize the contributions and influence of their cultures to our nation.

Congratulations to Assistant Prosecutor Christian E. Fisher, Esq. on receiving the 2024 Young Lawyer of the Year/Rising Leader Award from the Mercer County Bar Association!

Last night, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force was honored at the Trenton Police Annual Awards Ceremony for exceptional work on the tragic shooting death of 9-year-old Sequoya Bacon-Jones. The award recognized the dedication to every victim and family they serve. Day in and out, this team, including many more missing from the photo, is driven by a genuine desire to seek justice and bring closure to families who have lost loved ones. This award recognizes the compassion and professionalism you bring to work every day. Keep up the great work!

On Saturday, September 21, Capt. Nancy Diaz, Sgt. Roberto Reyes and Det. Steven Quintero-Casanova proudly participated in “El Grito to Independence,” a youth career exploration event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Community members were invited to Trenton’s Ninth Grade Academy to meet Latino professionals in the fields of law, media, art and education.

Acting Prosecutor Theresa Hilton and First Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Downing-Mathis are pleased to announce the addition of three new assistant prosecutors to the MCPO staff. Alexander Gilbert, Esq., James Hynd and Joshua M. Rosen were sworn in last week by Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw. AP Gilbert earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Prior to joining the prosecutor’s office, AP Gilbert clerked for the Honorable Pamela M. Snyder in Ocean County Superior Court. AP Hynd earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Temple University and his law degree from Widener University Delaware Law School. Prior to joining the prosecutor’s office, AP Hynd clerked for the Honorable Roxanne E. Covington in the Criminal Justice Center of Philadelphia. AP Rosen earned his bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Rowan University and his law degree from Rutgers Law School. Prior to joining the prosecutor’s office, AP Rosen clerked for the Honorable Benjiman D. Morgan in New Jersey Superior Court. He also served as a special law enforcement officer for the Camden County Police Department for two years.

Lawrence Township Senior Center 33rd Anniversary I was honored to be asked to participate in the Senior Center's 33rd anniversary; as the First Asst. Prosecutor, former (lifelong) Lawrence Twp. resident, and most importantly daughter of the late Sarah Downing. On the contrary, Sarah was never late for anything, and she greatly enjoyed the center since joining in the early 2000's. The center was an integral part of her life as it is for many seniors providing a space to be creative and interact with others. The center is more than a space for lunch and bingo. Sarah was a "Busy Bee," doing crafts; she taught students from the Lawrenceville Prep school how to knit and crochet; she studied a foreign language; took art classes; line dancing; exercise classes; you name it! Lillian LaSalle, (director) is a godsend, who goes above and beyond for the seniors whether it be throwing them parties for the holidays or planning and accompanying them on trips. She and her staff are top notch. As I mentioned in my remarks, the center embodies the world my Mother dreamed of, where everyone gathers together and has a good time regardless of race, religion, cultural background or socioeconomic status. I am truly grateful the center is there for our seniors! I am going to try and upload a video of my Mother reciting, "I dream a world," so please bear with me if it is in a separate post.

Thanks to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office for inviting Acting Prosecutor Theresa Hilton and Chief Jessica Plumeri to participate in a #NationalPoliceWomansDay panel and share their unique experiences as women in law enforcement. They were honored to be included in this group of strong and powerful female New Jersey leaders.