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Jennifer Buckley has been appointed as the interim Saratoga County District Attorney, stepping in after Karen Heggen's retirement on August 1. Buckley, currently the Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief, will serve in this role until a new district attorney is elected and sworn in next January.
Karen Heggen announced her retirement in June, ending her tenure over a year earlier than planned. Heggen cited the need for a smooth transition and stability within the office as reasons for selecting Buckley. According to an email obtained by The Daily Gazette, Heggen stated, "I believe it is in the best interest of the functioning of the office to ensure stability of staffing, consistency with cases and to provide for smooth transition for the new district attorney in January."
Buckley has a notable record in the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. She recently led the prosecution against Ronald Rayher in the case involving the death of entertainer Thomas Krider. Her appointment follows a decision by Heggen to demote Al Poremba, who was previously seen as her successor. Poremba expressed disappointment over the decision, acknowledging the inevitability of change during an election year.
The upcoming election in November will determine who will take over the position for a full four-year term. The county Republican Committee has already pledged support to Brett Eby, a principal court attorney for state Supreme Court Justice Paul Davenport, over Poremba.