Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the appointment of Assistant Attorney General Theresa L. Hilton, a Deputy Director for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), as Acting Mercer County Prosecutor. This appointment follows the retirement of Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri on August 1, 2024, after a 27-year tenure at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, including over nine years as County Prosecutor.

“Angelo Onofri has been a tremendous County Prosecutor and an invaluable partner in cooperative efforts to reduce gun violence, combat human trafficking, and address the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Platkin. “He is an esteemed public servant and a friend, and I congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Hilton will serve as Acting Prosecutor during the interim period until Governor Phil Murphy nominates a permanent prosecutor. Attorney General Platkin expressed confidence in Hilton's capabilities: “Until a new Mercer County Prosecutor is selected and installed, the Prosecutor’s Office and the people of Mercer County will be well-served by Theresa Hilton, a steadfast advocate for justice who has made immense contributions toward some of my Office’s highest priorities.”

Hilton joined DCJ in September 2022 to oversee sexual and domestic violence prevention policy and criminal enforcement work. She was also appointed as the inaugural leader of the Human Trafficking Unit created by Attorney General Platkin in January 2023. As a Deputy Director at DCJ, she oversees major threats alongside her violence prevention policy portfolio.

Prior to her role at DCJ, Hilton served seven years with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office where she led its domestic violence unit. There, she implemented policies aimed at removing barriers to justice that disproportionately affected victims.

“I’m honored that the Attorney General has chosen me to temporarily lead the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and grateful for his support,” said Hilton. “I look forward to working with the office’s investigators and prosecutors, as well as local police chiefs and officers, to protect the community and pursue justice across our Capital County.”

Hilton previously served as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force from 2009 to 2015. She holds degrees from Hamilton College and University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings).