In a significant government meeting held on November 26, 2024, the Departamento de Estado de Puerto Rico addressed crucial developments regarding salary increases for district attorneys and the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and economic offenses. The discussions highlighted the successful advocacy of public officials who fought for these salary adjustments, marking the first increase in two decades.

The meeting revealed that the salary of a district attorney has risen from $89,604 to $126,875 annually, while assistant district attorneys have also seen substantial increases. For instance, an assistant district attorney's salary increased from $87,807 to $124,337. These adjustments are seen as vital in retaining legal professionals within the public sector, as many had previously left for higher-paying positions in private practice.

The Secretary of Justice emphasized the importance of these salary increases, noting that they have helped prevent the exodus of attorneys from the Department of Justice. This retention is crucial for maintaining a robust legal framework in Puerto Rico, especially as the public sector faces challenges in attracting qualified personnel.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the performance of the Public Ministry, which reported a 94% success rate in cases tried in court. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the legal team, which operates under challenging conditions, often during holidays and weekends, to ensure justice is served.

The discussion also included updates on the division of organized crime, where significant progress has been made in confiscating illegal firearms and funds. The Secretary confirmed that a collaborative project with federal authorities aims to enhance the tracking of confiscated weapons, ensuring they are accounted for in criminal databases.

Furthermore, the division of economic crimes is actively pursuing 30 cases in court, focusing on tax evasion and financial misconduct. The meeting highlighted the importance of these efforts in recovering lost revenue for the government, with recent cases involving high-profile individuals.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical steps being taken to improve the legal system in Puerto Rico, from salary increases that enhance workforce stability to ongoing initiatives aimed at tackling organized crime and economic offenses. The Secretary expressed optimism about the future, indicating that these efforts would continue to evolve under the new administration.