Albany County District Attorney David Soares has a new chief assistant district attorney.
Soares’ office announced on Thursday, July 16, that David Rossi has been promoted as the county’s newest chief assistant district attorney following the retirement of Mark B. Harris, who previously held the post.
Rossi has worked on several high profile cases including the trial of Christopher Porco for the murder of his father, Peter, and the attempted murder of his mother, Joan, in their Delmar home.
His work as a co-prosecutor on the Porco trial was featured on the television show Forensic Files, a `true-crime docudrama,` which aired on TruTV Friday, July 17.
He also was the lead prosecutor in the trial of Erik Westervelt, who was convicted of murdering Timothy Gray in Delmar five weeks prior to the Porco murder.
Heather Orth, spokesperson for the DA’s office, said Rossi has also successfully prosecuted several other major homicide cases, including the trial of Jermayne Timmons for the murder of Kathina Thomas; the trial of Jovan Underdue for the triple homicide committed in January 2008; and the trial of former boxer Joel Scott for the murder of Dorothy Royal.
Orth said Rossi was the most logical choice.
`We looked at everything that Rossi has done and realized he is a real leader in the office and is very accomplished, so it just made sense,` she said.
Rossi said he is pleased with his promotion and looks forward to the challenge.
`It’s an honor being named the new chief assistant district attorney,` he told The Spotlight. `I’m basically second in command to David (Soares) and I am in charge of the rest of the assistant district attorneys in the office`
Rossi will continue prosecuting murder cases, he said.
`As for my regular casework I’m going to continue working on homicide cases,` said Rossi.
Soares said Rossi is a highly competent choice.
`I am very pleased that David Rossi has accepted the position of Chief Assistant District Attorney. David’s dedication to the pursuit of justice, proven leadership within the office and superior trial experience give me complete confidence in his ability to take on the challenges ahead,` he said in a written statement. `I look forward to working with David to continue to serve and empower victims of crime in Albany County.`
Rossi is an Albany Law School graduate and has served as an assistant DA in Albany County for the past 10 years. He most recently served as the bureau chief of the Homicide and Special Victims Units.
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