POUGHKEEPSIE – Anthony Parisi, the former Bureau Chief of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Major Crimes unit, was sworn in as district attorney on Tuesday. Parisi is the first new DA in 40 years, following Bill Grady’s decision to retire after 40 years as the county’s DA. Parisi defeated Grady’s Chief Assistant DA, Matt Weishaupt in November.
Parisi began his legal career as a defense attorney with the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office before joining the DA’s Office as a prosecutor.
“Growing up I knew I wanted to make a different and serve my community. That led me to service in the public defender’s office and then the district attorney’s office,” he said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would be sworn in as the district attorney of Dutchess County.”
Sheriff Kirk Imperati served as master of ceremonies and commended the new DA on his performance as an assistant prosecutor. He noted that Parisi “checks all of the boxes” when it comes to qualifications to serve as DA, including being “caring, compassionate, firm, and consistent.”
Judge David Steinberg administered the oath of office to Parisi, who was joined on stage by his wife, Sinead McLoughlin, a Senior Assistant District Attorney, and their daughters; four-year-old Seraphina and Giuliana, age two. Steinberg said today was “a special day in Dutchess County because today, we honor the rule of law.”
“I firmly believe that we can keep our communities safe while treating people who come in contact with the system, either as victims, witnesses, or people accused of crimes with fairness and respect,” Parisi told the audience. He indicated that he will work with local law enforcement agencies to strengthen the community’s trust in the criminal justice system while stressing that his office will make major strides in transparency.
“We will continue to identify and focus on those who do the most harm; the drivers of…
Read the full article here