Elbert County hears DA's request for prosecutors and support staff after state adds district-court judge

At a work-study session, District Attorney George Brockler asked Elbert County commissioners to commit to a share of new staff for the 20th Judicial District after the state authorized a new district-court judge and courtroom that will increase the district’s prosecutorial workload.

Brockler said the new judge requires additional personnel "—two prosecutors per courtroom," a victim-witness advocate and a legal assistant, and that the office is also seeking a senior deputy to supervise an expanded district-court team. He characterized the supplemental staffing request as a "historic one-off," saying he had not previously asked for a midyear supplemental while leading the 18th Judicial District.

The request grows out of a state decision this legislative cycle to add a criminal courtroom to the 20th Judicial District (which covers Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties). Brockler said adult felony filings in the district have risen about 22% since he left the office previously and that adult violent crimes have increased roughly 40%, increasing the need for courtroom staffing and specialty units.

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