SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced on Thursday, April 20, that she is stepping down as District Attorney after nearly 15 years in the position. Dumanis made the decision to step down to explore a possible run for County Board of Supervisors. Her last day as District Attorney will be Friday, July 7, 2017.
DA Dumanis (who is a member of the Jewish community) released the following statement:
“As I have weighed my future options, among the many things I have been encouraged to consider is a run for San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
“I have not decided if I will be a candidate or not. I believe my experience, and the critical role that the Board plays in public safety and policy issues, would make me an effective member. However, I do not want to create any conflict with, or distraction from the important work of the District Attorney’s Office. Therefore, I feel it’s appropriate for me to resign at this time as I explore my potential candidacy.
“Having spent 30 years of my life in the DA’s Office, this has been a difficult decision. I’ve spent 43 years in public life and it has been my honor to work on behalf of San Diegans.
“Serving as District Attorney has been an absolute privilege and one of the highest honors of my professional life. Working as DA alongside an incredibly talented group of professionals for nearly 15 years to deliver justice to the people of San Diego has been a richly rewarding experience. Together, we have been leaders in change and a voice of justice for so many. I’m very proud of the unparalleled crime prevention and public outreach programs we’ve put in place and our unwavering commitment to supporting victims of crime.”
DA Dumanis has spent more than four decades in public life working on behalf of San Diegans. Her professional contributions have been made as a Clerk Typist, Investigative Assistant, Deputy District Attorney, Juvenile Court Referee, Municipal Court Judge, Superior Court Judge and four-time elected District Attorney.
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Preceding provided by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis
Statement of Democratic Party Chair Jessica Hayes on DA’s Resignation After Corruption Allegations Resurface
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis this morning announced her plans to resign to explore running for another political office. The Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Jessica Hayes, has released the following statement.
“Just two days prior to the District Attorney’s resignation announcement, press reports revealed that the DA was a ‘subject of the investigation’ in the Azano corruption saga and had improper contacts regarding the case with the then-U.S. Attorney.
“The public deserves to know the extent of the District Attorney’s involvement in the Azano corruption scandal, and whether any other personnel in the DA’s office acted improperly.
“I’m calling on the County Board of Supervisors to launch an independent investigation headed by a special prosecutor into the Office of the District Attorney’s connection with this far-reaching case – the largest political corruption scandal in San Diego history.
“Adding to a story already steeped in backroom politics and insider dealing, Dumanis’ early resignation now paves the way for the Board of Supervisors to appoint her replacement before the voters have a say. Anyone seeking to become San Diego’s next District Attorney should pledge to support an independent investigation into the DA’s role in this political corruption case.
“Because San Diego’s chief law enforcement officer is implicated, an independent investigation is the only way for justice to be served. This is no time for business-as-usual politics.
“It would be a grievous breach of the public’s trust to appoint a new DA until the independent investigation is concluded. The public has the right to know the full extent of the involvement of personnel in the DA’s office with this scandal.”
By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office
The Board of Supervisors will review the process for appointing a new County District Attorney at its May 2 meeting.
District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced her retirement today after nearly 15 years in the position. Her last day on the job is July 7. Since the position of County District Attorney is an elected post and Dumanis is retiring before her term ends in January 2019, the Board of Supervisors must follow a specific appointment process outlined in County Board policy.
At the May 2 meeting, the Board will approve the application packet, set the application period and candidate requirements, and set dates for public hearings to consider all applicants and subsequent finalists. The Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint a new District Attorney prior to Dumanis’ retirement.
The Office of the District Attorney serves the citizens of San Diego County through the efficient prosecution of felony crimes countywide and misdemeanor crimes in 18 cities and the unincorporated areas. The District Attorney assists victims and survivors of crime, protects families and children by making communities safer and protects the taxpayer by investigating and prosecuting consumer and insurance fraud.