Governor Phil Murphy today nominated Raymond Santiago to serve as Monmouth County Prosecutor. Santiago’s nomination will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation, and he will assume the role of Acting Prosecutor on Friday, October 7.

“I am proud to nominate Raymond Santiago to serve as Monmouth County Prosecutor,” said Governor Murphy. “His extensive legal experience, which includes time both as a prosecutor and as a public defender, makes him well equipped to lead the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in an even-handed and fair-minded manner. I look forward to his success, and I am confident that he will bring the same dedication to his new role that he has demonstrated throughout his career. Today’s nomination, which I am pleased to make during Hispanic Heritage Month, also furthers our commitment to ensuring that leadership at all levels of law enforcement reflects the great diversity of our state.”

“Raymond Santiago brings to this role unique and valuable experience that includes public service as both a prosecutor as well as a public defender, in addition to his experience in private practice,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “He is a highly skilled attorney with a strong commitment to justice, and deep roots in the Monmouth County community.”

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy for his nomination to serve as the Monmouth County Prosecutor,” said Raymond Santiago. “It is a tremendous honor and privilege. All of my life’s experiences have prepared me for this moment and I am grateful to each person that has uniquely prepared me for the tasks ahead.  I am eager for the opportunity to serve the residents of Monmouth County by ensuring that justice is fairly and equally served. Further, I look forward to working with members of law enforcement to not only protect all persons that live, work or visit but, to actively be part of the communities that we serve.”

Raymond Santiago was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1996 and received his law degree from the City University of New York School of Law at Queens College. In 1999, he was sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Upon leaving that office, he entered private practice.

Currently, Santiago heads the Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, P.C., which is based in Freehold and focuses on the litigation of criminal and immigration law. He has also served as a public defender for municipalities in Monmouth County and as a Pool Attorney for the State of New Jersey Public Defender’s Office, Monmouth Vicinage since 2002, where he has assisted indigent defendants faced with various crimes or offenses.

Santiago resides in Freehold, and has lived and worked in Monmouth County for over 20 years.