TRENTON – Ocean County officially has its new prosecutor.
Bradley Billhimer was sworn in at the Ocean County Court House Tuesday morning, the governor’s office announced. Billhimer replaces Joseph D. Coronato, a Republican appointment who had served since 2013.
Billhimer was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy on Sept. 17 and received unanimous approval from the New Jersey State Senate 10 days later.
“Brad Billhimer is an accomplished attorney with deep roots in Ocean County, where he has practiced criminal law for nearly two decades and has served as a leader in the legal community,” Murphy said. “I am confident that Prosecutor Billhimer will be a strong leader for the people of Ocean County – one who will ensure that law enforcement works closely with the community for the safety and benefit of all.”
“Brad Billhimer is eminently qualified to serve as Ocean County’s top law enforcement officer, given his legal experience, record of leadership, and commitment to his home county,” Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. “I know that Prosecutor Billhimer is focused on addressing the opioid crisis, and I look forward to working with him to advance those efforts and other priorities. I commend Prosecutor Coronato for his leadership over the past five years, particularly his dedication and innovation in fighting opioid addiction.”
“I want to thank Governor Murphy for this tremendous opportunity to serve the people of Ocean County,” Billhimer said. “We face great challenges – including the opioid epidemic that has destroyed far too many lives – but I am confident that working together as residents and members of law enforcement, we will meet those challenges and do what is right to promote safety and justice.”
Billhimer has been a criminal defense attorney for 17 years, first as a partner at Mohel & Billhimer and then in a solo practice since 2010. He has been serving as co-chair of the Ocean County Bar Association Municipal Court Committee and as a member of the Ocean County Bar Association Judicial & Prosecutorial Appointments Committee.
He currently serves as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character, a member of the board of trustees of The People’s Pantry, a nonprofit food bank in Toms River, and also is a trustee for the Community Medical Center Foundation.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and his Juris Doctor Degree from Widener University School of Law. Billhimere was a law clerk for Superior Court Judge Barbara Ann Villano in Ocean County.
