NEWARK -- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray will become a superior court judge, leaving a vacancy in the prosecutor's office that officials say will be filled by her second in command.
The state Senate Monday confirmed Murray, who was nominated by Gov. Chris Christie last month to the state Superior Court bench, as a judge, a spokeswoman for the state judiciary confirmed Tuesday. Murray was appointed under new legislation that added 20 new judges and will become effective July 1. She will be sworn in sometime after that, the spokeswoman said.
Robert Laurino, who served as Essex County's Acting First Assistant Prosecutor, has been tapped to replace her, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Tuesday.
"He has an outstanding track record of leadership and a wealth of experience that will enable him to effectively oversee prosecution of the most challenging cases, ensure that victims are treated with compassion, and engage the community to support an environment of safety," Porrino said of the appointment.
Laurino has worked in the prosecutor's office since 1980, serving previously as a trial attorney, director of the adult sex crimes unit, deputy chief assistant prosecutor, and chief assistant prosecutor. After Prosecutor Paula Dow left Essex County to become Attorney General in 2010, Laurino served as interim acting prosecutor, until Murray took over in 2011.
"I am confident that Bob Laurino will serve as an outstanding prosecutor for the citizens of Essex County," Gov. Chris Christie said in the announcement.
"As Acting First Assistant County Prosecutor, and as a former Acting County Prosecutor, Bob has served with dedication and distinction. I thank him for stepping in again to serve in this role."
In a statement, Laurino thanked the governor and attorney general, and said he is looking forward to filling the role.
"It has been a honor to have worked beside former Acting Prosecutor Carolyn Murray over the past six years, and I know that she will be an outstanding jurist," Laurino said.
"I look forward to continuing to serve all the people of Essex County through the administration of fair and impartial justice, and to assist those individuals who were the unfortunate victims of crime in rebuilding their lives."
Murray, a Chatham resident, has previously held other posts in the prosecutor's office, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey and the state Attorney General's Office.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.