Following a prolonged period of interim leadership in the wake of longtime Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch’s retirement, the county now has a permanent top law enforcement official.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Daniel Perez was sworn in during a Feb. 2 ceremony at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton.
As chief law enforcement officer, Perez will oversee all criminal prosecutions in the county. He will also lead efforts to strengthen community trust, enhance victim services and protect the rights of all citizens, the office said.
Prior to his appointment, Perez had a Newton-based law practice focused on criminal defense.
Perez is immediate past president of the Sussex County Bar Association. He has also received numerous recognitions. The New Jersey Supreme Court has honored him as a Hispanic/Latino pioneer in law. The Sussex County Bar Association also named the Branchville resident as the 2021 professional lawyer of the year.
When Koch retired in July 2022 after eight years on the job, the county named Annemarie Taggart acting prosecutor. Upon her retirement in December 2023, Carolyn Murray took over as interim.
First Assistant Prosecutor Sahil Kabse succeeded Murray in February 2025 after she retired.
Former Gov. Phil Murphy nominated Perez for the position in December 2025. The state Senate confirmed him soon after.
Perez’s background includes serving on his local board of education, as a trustee of Sussex County Community College and as a commissioner of the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority.
Commenting on the new position, Perez said, “I am deeply honored to take on the responsibility serving as Sussex County Prosecutor. 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.”
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