Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/03/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Greg Jacobs

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DISTRICT ATTORNEY HIRES TALENTED GROUP OF PROSECUTORS

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today the hiring of five new prosecutors who will join a talented staff of prosecutors. After conducting statewide recruitment, the following individuals were recently hired: Sharmalee Rajakumaran, Jason Riehl, Anne Masterson, Amy Zurn, and Marianna Lehr.

Sharmalee Rajakumaran earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Maryland College Park and her law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington D.C. Jason Riehl earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Davis and his law degree from the University of California Hastings School of Law in San Francisco. Both Rajakumaran and Riehl have previous trial experience with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

Anne Masterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California at Santa Barbara and her law degree from Seattle University. Anne was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for seven years in Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington, and most recently served as a Judge Advocate for the United States Army in Baghdad, Iraq.

Amy Zurn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Penn State University and her law degree from Wideneer University School of Law, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has civil litigation experience.

Marianna Lehr earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and her law degree from Willamette University School of Law. She was a criminal research attorney for three years in Alameda County for the Honorable Vernon Nakahara and has previous prosecution experience with Calveras County and with Mendocino County.

"A good work force succession plan requires the continuous recruitment for talented attorneys," said District Attorney Passalacqua. "This new group brings new energy and experience to assist us in addressing the public safety challenges in our community."