Scott A. Coffina Sworn in as Burlington County Prosecutor

Scott A. Coffina was sworn in March 31, 2017 as Burlington County Prosecutor and immediately identified gun violence and the illegal use of opioids as among the concerns that will be priorities under his watch as the county’s top law enforcement officer.

Prosecutor Coffina was administered the oath of office in a private ceremony by the Hon. Ronald E. Bookbinder, A.J.S.C.

A public event is planned for the near future.

“I understand the responsibility involved with being the top law enforcement officer in Burlington County,” Prosecutor Coffina said. “To county residents, I pledge to do everything within my power to make our streets and communities safe for your families. To the municipal police chiefs and officers on the beat, I look forward to becoming familiar with the operations of your departments and working together for the betterment of Burlington County.”

Gov. Chris Christie Makes Surprise Appearance

Gov. Chris Christie made a surprise appearance at the event and thanked Prosecutor Coffina for his service to the State of New Jersey while a member of Gov. Christie’s legal staff. “You are going to make a great prosecutor,” said Gov. Christie, who nominated Prosecutor Coffina for the position. “I am very happy for you and I’m confident you will do an outstanding job.”

After taking the oath of office, Prosecutor Coffina addressed the approximately 130 members of the BCPO staff inside Burlington County’s Olde Historic Courthouse.

“Honored to Have Chosen”

He said he is honored to have been selected for the position, and pledged his support to the men and women of the BCPO staff. He plans to hold one-on-one meetings to get to know staff members, become familiar with their roles and hear suggestions on how to improve the operation of the office.

“What is said in the room will stay in the room,” Prosecutor Coffina told the group, “although good ideas may well come out of the room.”

Prosecutor Coffina also listed criminal justice reform, continuing to provide support for victims and witnesses, and the professional development of the staff as areas on which he plans to immediately concentrate.

For the past 20 months, Prosecutor Coffina has served as the Senior Deputy Chief Counsel to Gov. Chris Christie. He joined the Christie Administration from Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, where he was a partner in the firm’s White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations practice group. His practice focused on representing corporate, university and individual clients in internal investigations, False Claims Act litigation, political-legal controversies, and additional civil, criminal or regulatory enforcement actions.

Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush

Prosecutor Coffina was an Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush from May 2007 until January 2009, where he advised White House and administration officials on a wide range of legal matters, represented the interests of the president in Congressional oversight investigations and evaluated candidates for judicial appointments in the District of Columbia and Eleventh Circuits.

Previously, he served in the White House Office of Political Affairs for President Ronald Reagan. Prosecutor Coffina also was an Assistant United States Attorney in Philadelphia from 1997 to 2001.

Prosecutor Coffina received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is admitted to the bars of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Prosecutor Coffina resides in Evesham with his wife and three sons. He succeeds Robert D. Bernardi, who served as county prosecutor for 17 years

(Source: Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office)