The 36-year legal career of Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts came to an end on Friday.
Ritts has served in both prosecution and defense roles over the decades, working as a public defender and prosecutor in Ohio and New York. He spent more than 25 years with the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, including the past seven years as district attorney.
When he announced his retirement in August, Ritts said he was “blessed to make a difference in the lives of so many people.”
Ritts had announced plans to seek re-election earlier this year but lost the Republican primary in June to Jason MacBride. His name will remain on the November ballot on the Conservative line, though Ritts said he will not take office if elected.
First Assistant District Attorney Kelly Wolford has been appointed interim DA and will serve through at least January 1, 2026.
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