Ontario County’s District Attorney’s Office is undergoing a leadership transition after Acting District Attorney Kelly Wolford resigned to take a position in neighboring Seneca County.
Wolford, who had been serving as acting DA since October following the retirement of former District Attorney Jim Ritts, left the office effective Saturday. She accepted a role as first assistant district attorney in Seneca County, a position she said planned since August, according to 13WHAM.
Jason MacBride, who was elected Ontario County District Attorney in November, assumed the role of acting DA immediately following Wolford’s departure. MacBride was previously Wolford’s deputy and won the Republican primary over former DA Jim Ritts earlier this year.
The transition comes as the DA’s office faces significant staffing shortages. The office is budgeted for 19 prosecutors but has been operating with only a fraction of that number. Temporary appointments by the court helped maintain operations in recent weeks.
Ontario County officials said MacBride began managing ongoing prosecutions and attending court sessions immediately upon taking over Saturday. New staff members are currently being onboarded as the office works to rebuild its ranks ahead of the new year.
The staffing challenges and leadership change coincide with active cases, including several high-profile prosecutions. County officials have said the transition is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity of justice services for residents.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
