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Benton County District Attorney John M. Haroldson retires after distinguished career
On Aug. 28, 2024, the Benton County Board of Commissioners hosted a celebration of service at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library for retiring District Attorney John M. Haroldson, a trailblazer in Oregon’s legal community. As the first Hispanic or Latino District Attorney in the state’s history, Haroldson’s career has been marked by his dedication to justice and his commitment to community service.
Haroldson’s journey becoming Benton County’s top prosecutor began long before his appointment in Feb. 2007 by Governor Ted Kulongoski. After earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Central Washington University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon, Haroldson launched his prosecution career as an intern-prosecutor for the City of Albany in 1988. He later served as a Linn County Deputy District Attorney before joining Benton County as Chief Deputy District Attorney in 2002. His leadership and expertise in this role led to his election as District Attorney in Nov. 2008, a position he has held with distinction for approximately 17 years.
Reflecting on his career, Haroldson said, “Serving the public in this noble pursuit has been a great honor and exceptionally rewarding. In addition to the daily responsibilities that go with serving as District Attorney, I have sought to build an office that our community can confidently rely upon to uphold the standards of justice in Benton County. I am very proud of our office and the service we provide to our community,” Raised in both the Pacific Northwest and Monterrey, Mexico, Haroldson’s rich bilingual and bicultural upbringing has been a defining influence in his life and career. The son of a Scandinavian father and a Mexican mother, Haroldson holds the honor of being Oregon’s first Mexican-American District Attorney, a role he has approached with a deep understanding of diverse perspectives.
As he steps into retirement, Haroldson leaves behind a legacy of justice, education, and service—a legacy that has paved the way for future generations in Oregon’s legal community.
Aug. 28, 2024
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