NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Daniel M. Perez was sworn in Monday as Sussex County prosecutor during a ceremony at the Sussex County Courthouse, succeeding Francis A. Koch and assuming leadership of the county’s chief law enforcement office.
Perez took the oath of office administered by Superior Court Judge William J. McGovern III, pledging to uphold the law and serve the residents of Sussex County with integrity.
A longtime county resident, Perez brings extensive legal experience to the role. Before his appointment, he managed the Law Office of Daniel M. Perez, Esq. in Newton, where he practiced criminal defense law. He previously served as president of the Sussex County Bar Association and was named the association’s Professional Lawyer of the Year in 2021.
Perez has also served on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on Character and was recently recognized as a Vicinage 10 (Morris and Sussex counties) Hispanic/Latino Pioneer in the Law. His public service includes roles on a local board of education, as a trustee of Sussex County Community College, and as a commissioner of the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority.
“I am deeply honored to take on the responsibility of serving as Sussex County prosecutor,” Perez said. “I look forward to working closely with law enforcement, community partners and residents to ensure safety, fairness and accountability for the residents, businesses and visitors of Sussex County.”
Perez earned his law degree from New York University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University.
He was nominated to the post by former Gov. Phil Murphy and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. As county prosecutor, Perez will oversee all criminal prosecutions in Sussex County and lead initiatives focused on community trust, victim services and the protection of civil rights.
