Jackie Lacey Jumps in D.A. Race

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey, second-in-command at the county prosecutors office, today formally announced her entrance into the race for Los Angeles District Attorney.

Lacey, a 26-year veteran of the District Attorney's office, filed her nomination papers with the county clerk on Wednesday. If elected, she would be the county's first woman and first African-American District Attorney.

Lacey has the endorsement of District Attorney Steve Cooley, who announced he would not seek a fourth term.

Two other candidates, Deputy District Attorneys John Breault III and Alan Jackson, have filed nominating papers. Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and Deputy District attorneys Bobby Grace, Steven Ipsen and Danette Meyers also have announced their candidacies but have yet to file their nominating papers.

"I am the candidate most qualified to lead the nation's largest local prosecutorial office," Lacey said in a statement. "I have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the office. For the past decade, I have had a seat next to the District Attorney as we have successfully confronted and resolved every major issue presented to the office.

"My experience is needed to guide the District Attorney's Office into the future," she added.

The District Attorney's Office includes nearly 1,000 lawyers, about 300 peace officers and 800 support staff.

As part of the District Attorney's management team over the last 11 years, Lacey has directed the office's development of crime-fighting tools to address gangs, graffiti, animal cruelty, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence, according to Lacey's campaign.

— City News Service