TOMS RIVER-With a new governor in the Statehouse, Ocean County’s Republican-backed prosecutor Joseph Coronato’s job could be in jeopardy. Today, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to sign a resolution that will be sent to Phil Murphy’s office to consider the reappointment of Coronato.
Picking prosecutor’s in New Jersey has become a partisan sport. Coronato was appointed by former Governor Chris Christie in 2013, replacing Marlene Lynch Ford. Ford was appointed by Jon Corzine in 2007 before being appointed as a judge in New Jersey Superior Court.
The National Police Defense Foundation chose Coronato as “Prosecutor of the Year” for his many accomplishments during his tenure including his tough stance against the heroin and prescription drug problem that plagues Ocean County.
Murphy, a Democrat is unlikely to reappoint a Republican as a prosecutor in the highly charged political climate that surrounds New Jersey, especially when Ocean County is considered a battleground county for Democrats.
Prior to his appointment as Ocean County Prosecutor, Coronato served as a municipal prosecutor.