New Chief Assistant District Attorney Announced For Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A veteran Riverside County prosecutor will take the No. 2 spot at the District Attorney's Office, following the retirement of another career litigator who served in the post for a decade.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin on Thursday formally appointed Jared Haringsma as chief assistant district attorney.

Haringsma takes the position previously held -- until earlier this month -- by John Aki, who retired after nearly a quarter century in the D.A.'s office. Aki had been in Hestrin's executive circle since the three-term district attorney was first elected in 2014.

"Jared has earned the respect of colleagues throughout our office for his integrity, skill and steady leadership," Hestrin said. "His depth of trial experience and strong management background make him exceptionally well- suited to help lead this office. ... He will continue to strengthen our leadership team and ensure our office upholds the highest standards of fairness and professionalism."

Haringsma has been employed by the agency since 2002, serving in all of the regional offices countywide. He achieved a standout record for homicide prosecutions over many years, handling multiple complex cases, including five death penalty trials.

Among his previous assignments at the executive level were supervising the Cold Case Unit, overseeing the Administrative Division and managing the Accounting Office.

Like Hestrin and Aki, prior to moving over to the management side of the D.A.'s office, Haringsma was active in the Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys' Association, where many working relationships involving individuals now leading the office were cemented.