The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is about to undergo a major leadership change as Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford heads back to serving as a Superior Court Judge and prominent Republican Toms River Attorney Joseph Corronato takes the reigns.

Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford and Joseph Coronato, (Tom Mongelli Townsquare Media NJ)
Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford and Joseph Coronato, (Tom Mongelli Townsquare Media NJ)
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Ford says she's leaving the job richer after having worked with law enforcement all over the state as well as crime victims.

So I really feel that when I go back to the bench that I will do so with really an enhanced understanding of what you know the law means in terms of crime victims, law enforcement officers, the general public.

Corronato is a partner in a Toms River Law Firm Coronato, Bradly and Kunz on Madison Avenue, has served as a Municipal Prosecutor for two decades and is a former Deputy State Attorney General. He also worked with the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. He says he's looking forward to the challenges that he faces as well as working with local law enforcement officials.

Obviously there are going to be many changes. The challenges today are like anything else, staying within the budget but at the same time getting job done. I do believe that we can do that.

Prosecutor Ford served as a Superior Court Judge for 14 years prior to being nominated to serve as Ocean County Prosecutor by former Governor Jon Corzine in 2007. She doesn't know exactly what court division she'll be presiding but assumes it will be either Civil or Family Court where she has years of experience. When asked, she doesn't appear to be opposed to the idea of one day being appointed to the State Supreme Court.

A vote on Governor Christie's nominations in the full Senate is expected this Monday.

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