DA announces key staff promotions within office

Two veteran prosecutors and a staff member who works with victims of domestic and sexual violence have been promoted to leadership positions within the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

ADA Matthew Thomas, who has worked in the region’s district and superior courts for 23 years, has been promoted to the role of Senior Trial Counsel, while ADA Joseph R. Webber was promoted to serve as liaison for the Northwestern Anti-Crime Task Force. Both promotions take effect today.

Meanwhile Katie Rosewarne, former High Risk Team coordinator and Intimate Partner Violence Specialist within the office’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, was promoted in September to the leadership post of Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Projects.

The promotions of ADAs Thomas in and Webber came after former Chief Trial Counsel Jeremy Bucci departed his post after being appointed to a judgeship with the Massachusetts Superior Court bench. Bucci had worked as a senior prosecutor for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office since January of 2011, when DA Sullivan assumed office.

Thomas, 51, joined the Northwestern District Attorney’s office in 2011 after serving as a prosecutor in Hampden County for 11 years. During his tenure at the Northwestern DA’s Office, Thomas investigated and prosecuted homicide, arson, motor vehicle felonies and other violent crimes. In his new role, Thomas will continue prosecuting the most serious and complex cases, train other ADAs and law enforcement partners, oversee motor vehicle homicide investigations and prosecutions and litigate civil forfeiture actions.

“Matt has been, and continues to be, a tremendous asset to the DA’s office and the people we serve, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor,” said Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan.

Webber, 35, has been a Northwestern ADA since 2013, working in district and superior courts in both Hampshire and Franklin County. In addition to continuing prosecuting serious felony cases in the superior courts, Webber will also take on the role of liaison to the anti-crime task force, replacing former ADA Bucci who helped co-found and lead the task force for the past 10 years.

“Joe has done a tremendous job as an ADA and will be a great asset to law enforcement on our task force,” said DA Sullivan.  

Rosewarne, 44, was appointed Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Projects in September, replacing Zoraida Agudelo. Rosewarne worked at Safe Passage in Northampton before taking on the roles of High Risk Team Coordinator and Intimate Partner Violence Specialist for the District Attorney’s office.

“Katie has demonstrated her commitment to our multi-disciplinary team approach to domestic violence, ensuring all partners to our work are well-trained, trauma-informed, and victim-centered,” said DA Sullivan. “She has a passion for helping survivors of intimate partner violence that makes her a leader in our work.”