Ocean County’s First Assistant Prosecutor Ronald F. DeLigny retires today after twenty five years of service, the Prosecutor’s office said today. Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford made the following statement concerning his retirement:

“Ron was hired by then Prosecutor, now Senator, James Holzapfel in September of 1987. Ron served under Prosecutors Daniel Carluccio, E. David Millard, Thomas Kelaher and Marlene Lynch Ford. Ron has served in nearly every unit within the Prosecutor’s Office. Ron served for many years as a team leader in the trial section. He also spent many years overseeing the Narcotics Strike Force. He rose through the ranks, beginning with an entry level position after completing a judicial clerkship, culminating his career as the First Assistant Prosecutor, the highest appointed position within the Prosecutor’s Office.”

“Ron has tried many notable cases during his tenure. Recently, he successfully prosecuted the murder of Thelma Vasquez, the mother of the girlfriend of a crucial witness in a brazen murder that took place in a Lakewood barber shop. He also successfully prosecuted Jack Fuller, who killed Brittany Gregory. Most recently, Ron handled the prosecution of John Koufos, an attorney who struck and seriously injured a pedestrian last year in Toms River, sending Koufos to New Jersey state prison for six years.”

Prosecutor Ford said, “First Assistant Prosecutor Ron DeLigny will be remembered after his retirement from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office simply as a legend. He excelled as a trial attorney. He set the standard for ethics and selfless commitment to the Office of the Prosecutor, and therefore to the citizens of Ocean County and New Jersey. His judgment was impeccable. I have truly been blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to work with Ron. He will be missed, but he will continue to be a friend to me and to many people, past and present, who called this place not just work but home.”

Chief Assistant Prosecutor William Heisler, who worked with Ron for almost twenty years said, “Ron DeLigny has been the hardest working man in law enforcement that I have ever known. He has always been available to respond to crime scenes and conduct investigations. He is an exceptional trial attorney. I will miss working with him.”

Michel Paulhus, an Executive Assistant Prosecutor, who has also worked with Ron for nearly twenty years said, “Ron has been my supervisor since my very first days in the Prosecutor’s Office. Ron teaches by example. He doesn’t lecture. He is very humble, intelligent, thorough, practical and fair. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked for so long with someone who is such a talented lawyer and a good man. He will be missed.”

Deborah Hanlon-Schron, Chief Trial Attorney, said, “I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Ron for almost twenty years as a co-worker, and as my supervisor and always as my friend. It has been a rewarding experience that I will never forget. Ron’s unassuming presence, strength of character and passion for his work will continue to serve as a model for all assistant prosecutors long after his retirement.”

William Cunningham, who retired from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in 2006 after serving for more than thirty years as an assistant prosecutor said, “I was Ron’s trial partner when he came into the office in 1987. I watched him progress into a top-notch trial lawyer, father and husband. Ron is someone I am very proud of. He worked his way up from tending bar in Seaside Heights to the highest level of achievement in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.”

Michael Mohel, who retired last year as Deputy Chief of Detectives said, “Ron is one of the best trial attorneys I had the pleasure of working with in my 39 years with the Prosecutor’s Office. Ron’s work ethic, and his knowledge of not only the law but how to effectively work with investigators and witnesses to ensure a successful prosecution really set him apart. For Ron, it was always about doing the right thing. I wish him well in his retirement.” TLS.