Richland County district attorney announces resignation; governor to appoint successor

District Attorney Jennifer Harper told the Public Safety Standing Committee that she has submitted her resignation after 15 years as the county’s DA and that the governor will appoint an interim successor.

Harper summarized her office’s statutory role under chapter 978 of the Wisconsin statutes and noted that state funding covers much of the prosecutors’ compensation and that victim services obligations—under chapter 950 and Marsy’s Law—have grown in recent years. She said she has tried to prepare the office for transition so that an assistant district attorney could step into the role; she said applications for the gubernatorial appointment were due June 15.

Harper also used her remarks to press the committee on courthouse deficiencies. She said victim-protection shortcomings—particularly victims being seated close to jurors in waiting areas—have lingered for years and must be addressed. “It is unfair. It is disgusting,” she said of the situation, adding that victims of sexual assault and child abuse are particularly affected and that remediation should be the committee’s top priority.

Harper said she has received support from law enforcement, the court and colleagues for the transition plan and invited committee members to speak with her privately about the office’s needs during the changeover. No vote or formal personnel action occurred at the meeting; the appointment process is an executive action by the governor.