Gov. Deval Patrick Appoints Acting Middlesex District Attorney

Gov. Deval Patrick has named First Assistant District Attorney Michael Pelgro as the acting Middlesex County District Attorney, according to a press release issued today by Patrick's office.

Pelgro will assume the responsibilities for the Middlesex County District Attorney as current DA Gerry Leone is stepping down from his post to join a private law firm. 

“I am very grateful that the Governor has exhibited the confidence in me, to appoint me to such an important position of public trust,” Pelgro said in the press release. “I am extremely honored to be chosen to help maintain the tradition and legacy of excellence which is the hallmark of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.”

Pelgro has served as a state and federal prosecutor for more than 20 years, according to the press release. In addition to his time in Middlesex County, he worked for more 17 years as an assistant united states attorney in Boston in the Major Crimes Unit and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit. 

Pelgro will serve in the DA position temporarily until Patrick appoints a permanent replacement. An election to select the next Middlesex DA will be held in 2014.

Leone announced in January he would not seek a third term as DA and a couple of months later announced he would be leaving the post early to join the law firm of Nixon Peabody.