Middlesex County Prosecutor Moves To U.S. Attorney's Office

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey announced Thursday that he has accepted an assignment with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

It is expected that in the early fall, he will be sworn in as an assistant United States attorney, and will be assigned as the attorney-in-charge for the Camden branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. That means that Carey will no longer prosecute crimes in Middlesex County and will instead investigate and prosecute federal crimes.

Carey was appointed to Middlesex County's top law enforcement position by then-Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican. His replacement will be appointed by Gov. Murphy, a Democrat. It remains to be seen who that replacement will be.

Carey was first appointed as acting Middlesex County prosecutor in May of 2013. He was formally nominated by Christie and was confirmed by the state Senate in June of 2014. 2019 marks the completion of his five-year term. It appears Murphy did not choose to renew Carey for another five-year term.

During his time as Middlesex County prosecutor, Carey developed a reputation for being tough on crime and not beholden to any political interests.

“It has been my absolute honor to serve as the Middlesex County prosecutor, and my privilege to work alongside so many dedicated prosecutors and police officers who work tirelessly each day to protect and serve our community,” said Carey. “I greatly value the partnerships that Middlesex County law enforcement officials have forged with our community leaders and partners.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity being extended by U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito," he continued. "I am very fortunate to be able to continue my career as a prosecutor at such a well-respected office.”

During Carey's term, his office aggressively investigated and prosecuted corrupt public officials and advocated strongly for victims’ rights. Under Carey, Middlesex County improved its arson response, missing persons response, fatal crash investigation abilities and the county’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT).

Prior to serving as county prosecutor, Carey was an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, under then-U.S. Attorneys Christie and Fishman. He was assigned as the Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit.

In 1996, Carey was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney in New York county, and was assigned to the office of special narcotics. During this appointment, Carey was assigned to the Special Investigations Bureau and was promoted to Deputy Bureau Chief of a trial bureau.

“I would also like to thank Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders for supporting the mission of the Prosecutor’s Office," Carey added.