Union County Prosecutor Named As NJ's Criminal Justice Director

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo is appointed as the next Director of the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), effective July 12.

The announcement was made by Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal on Thursday ahead of Governor Phil Murphy’s planned notice of intent to nominate current DCJ Director Veronica Allende to a Superior Court judgeship.

"Lyndsay is the perfect person to direct our Division of Criminal Justice," said Grewal. "She’s a tough, experienced prosecutor who isn’t afraid to hold wrongdoers accountable for their misconduct. But she also recognizes that, as prosecutors, our ultimate responsibility is not to obtain the greatest number of convictions or seek the longest possible sentences, but to ensure that justice is done in each and every case. I know that she will bring the same energy and sense of mission to the Division that she brought to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office."

Grewal had previously appointed Ruotolo to served as Acting Union County Prosecutor in 2019. During her tenure, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office launched a new program – known as the "Intelligence-Drive Prosecution Unit" – that uses the latest technology to identify violent criminal organizations, including street gangs and hate groups.

In addition, under Ruotolo's leadership, Union County launched a first-in-the-state county-wide program to use police body-worn camera footage as a training tool to improve officer performance.

Before serving in Union County, Ruotolo served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where she prosecuted violent crimes, gang violence, carjackings, and sex crimes.

"I am so grateful to the General, and honored to have this incredible opportunity to serve the residents of our state in this role," said Ruotolo. "I look forward to working not only with the dedicated public servants within the Division of Criminal Justice, but also my colleagues in the County Prosecutor’s Offices and law enforcement agencies across the state, to further General Grewal's vision for a safe and just New Jersey."

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