FLEMINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson on Monday announced the promotion of three detectives and the swearing in of a new detective at the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, highlighting what she described as the depth of talent within the agency.
Robeson said the promotional process is highly competitive and reflects the experience and professionalism of the office’s investigative staff.
Detective Sgt. Petelle was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He joined the prosecutor’s office in October 2022 with more than 15 years of law enforcement experience, including prior service as a detective with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and as a paralegal specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security. Lt. Petelle is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit, Bias Unit and Humane Law Enforcement Unit, and is a member of the Serious Crash Investigation Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Detective First Class William Svard was promoted to detective sergeant. Svard joined the prosecutor’s office in 2016 after beginning his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Flemington Borough Police Department, where he attained the rank of detective sergeant. He is assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit, Arson Task Force and Juvenile Unit, and also serves as a field training detective. Svard earned an associate degree from Raritan Valley Community College.
Detective Quayshaun Brooks was promoted to detective first class. Brooks joined the prosecutor’s office in 2023 and is assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit, the Serious Crash Investigation Team and the Arson Task Force. Before joining the office, he served as a sergeant with the Newark Department of Public Safety, where he began his career in 2015. Brooks is a graduate of The College of New Jersey and is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
In addition, Kayla Morales was sworn in as a detective. Prior to her appointment, Morales served as a victim witness advocate with the prosecutor’s office. She is a graduate of Centenary University and recently completed training at the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice Academy earlier this month.
Robeson congratulated Lt. Petelle, Detective Sgt. Svard, Detective First Class Brooks and Detective Morales on their achievements and wished them continued success in their new roles.
