ARLINGTON, Va. — Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett was recognized as the 2022 Distinguished Chief Prosecutor and Prosecutor of the Year by the National District Attorneys Association.
At the NDAA’s July 18 luncheon, Blodgett was lauded for his commitment to justice and the betterment of Essex County communities. The NDAA specifically cited Blodgett’s efforts to create programs and partnerships helping keep people out of the criminal justice system and his work connecting first-time offenders to support services, as well as his prosecutorial skills.
“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,” his nomination stated.
Blodgett is not running for re-election after serving five terms as Essex County DA — across his 20-year career he has “remained unapologetic and steadfast in his support for crime victims and for holding violent offenders accountable without fanfare throughout his five terms,” said the NDAA.
“It is humbling to receive recognition from my peers for doing the work that I love. 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,” Blodgett said. “It has truly been an honor to work alongside these fine professionals.”
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].
