New top prosecutor sworn in for Bernalillo County

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A new top prosecutor has taken over as district attorney in Bernalillo County for the first time in 16 years. Raul Torrez was sworn in Sunday in a private ceremony at the 2nd Judicial District offices. He replaces Kari Brandenburg, who had been district attorney since 2001 and chose not to seek re-election. The state's most populous county has seen high crime rates, a steep criminal case backlog, and a fractured relationship between the DA and law enforcement. Torrez is a former assistant U.S. attorney, assistant attorney general and assistant district attorney. He promises to reform the criminal justice system to ensure public safety. A public swearing-in ceremony will be held Tuesday.