Arlington, VA – On Monday, July 18, the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) recognized
outstanding leaders in prosecution over the past year as part of its annual luncheon transitioning the Association’s leadership.
Each year, NDAA recognizes prosecutors who have distinguished themselves among their peers as they seek justice, hold offenders accountable, and protect the rights of victims.
This year the NDAA Distinguished Chief Prosecutor is Jonathan Blodgett, District Attorney, Essex County, MA.
“Elected in 2002, District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett (Essex County, Massachusetts) has brought an innovative and pragmatic approach to the Office. Well before the term ‘progressive prosecutor’ was coined, DA Blodgett established programs and partnerships to keep people out of the criminal justice system and provide services to first-time offenders. He has remained unapologetic and steadfast in his support for crime victims and for holding violent offenders accountable without fanfare throughout his five terms,” his nomination stated.
Photo Credit DA Blodgett accepts the award from outgoing NDAA President Billy West (District Attorney, Cumberland County, NC)
The nomination cited his leadership in expanding diversion programs to provide non-violent offenders with services and treatment in lieu of traditional prosecution, his advocacy for the inclusion of animals in the emergency exemption to allow police to enter private property without a warrant to save an animal’s life, and his successful effort to dismantle rampant auto insurance fraud in Lawrence and Lynn.
“It is humbling to receive recognition from my peers for doing the work that I love,” DA Blodgett said. “This award reflects on my team – a tremendous group of dedicated public servants – who fight for justice, seek to hold the guilty accountable, exonerate the innocent and, most importantly, ensure that the crime victim is heard. It has truly been an honor to work alongside these fine professionals.”
Formed in 1950, NDAA is the oldest and largest national organization representing state and local prosecutors in the country. With more than 5,000 members representing over two thirds of the state and local prosecutors’ offices, NDAA is recognized as the leading source of national expertise on the prosecution function and is a valuable resource for the media, academia, government, and community leaders. NDAA’s mission is to provide state and local prosecutors with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to ensure that justice is done and that public safety rights are protected.
Photo Below – DA Blodgett is congratulated by incoming NDAA President John Flynn (District Attorney, Erie County, NY) and Bronx, NY District Attorney Darcel Clark
