In an abrupt move Friday night, state Attorney General Matt Platkin announced he’s taken over the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office and removed James Pfeiffer, who was an appointee of Gov. Phil Murphy and served as prosecutor there since 2019. Platkin didn’t offer details on the takeover, but NJ Advance Media reports the state is investigating “misconduct by members” of the office.
The attorney general tapped Tony Picione to serve as acting prosecutor. According to a statement, Picione specializes in white-collar crime and misuse of public funds. He most recently served as deputy director for the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
The Warren County Prosecutor’s Office faced scrutiny for its handling of cases related to two former Phillipsburg councilmen, but, there’s no word if the takeover is connected. A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office tells NJ Spotlight News a report on the investigation that prompted the move will be made public soon.
