Mariposa Board Appoints Michael McAfee as District Attorney

Michael McAfee, the county's acting assistant district attorney, was unanimously appointed Jan. 7 by the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors to fill the two-year unexpired term of the district attorney.

McAfee, who has worked in Mariposa County in various capacities since 2019, told the board he aims to balance accountability and fairness in prosecutions and to reduce case dismissals by ensuring the office files cases it can prove. "My number-one mission is to hold people accountable when they commit crimes in this county," McAfee said, adding that prosecutors should also consider mitigation such as mental-health needs when appropriate.

Supporters in the courtroom and on the phone urged the board to confirm McAfee. Josh McGilly, chief investigator for the DA's office, called McAfee a "strong leader" who understands community safety. Christina Kehle, director of Health and Human Services Agency, said McAfee had been supportive during a recent transfer of welfare-fraud investigations to the DA's office.

Board members questioned McAfee about near-term priorities. He said his immediate focus would be stabilizing staffing and retention, and preparing the office to meet new statewide reporting requirements that take effect in 2027, which he said will likely require an in-house analyst to protect confidentiality and compile the mandated data. "We will need more manpower or an analyst position," McAfee said, and he pledged to provide early, regular updates to the board on resource needs.

The appointment process followed the county's posted timeline: the clerk opened the vacancy Oct. 17, the application period closed Dec. 27 and the board held a single public hearing Jan. 7 after receiving one application. The board used a sealed written ballot procedure and announced the unanimous vote to appoint McAfee; his appointment is effective immediately.

The board closed the public hearing and adjourned the Jan. 7 meeting.