LIHU‘E — The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney announced Tuesday that Sam Jajich was appointed to second deputy prosecuting attorney. The decision to name Jajich came in early September when current second deputy Lauren McDowell announced she was moving off-island,
LIHU‘E — The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney announced Tuesday that Sam Jajich was appointed to second deputy prosecuting attorney.
The decision to name Jajich came in early September when current second deputy Lauren McDowell announced she was moving off-island, an OPA news release states.
Jajich has been the deputy prosecutor assigned to felony drug crimes since 2009. He has consistently maintained a conviction rate of over 98 percent, according to the release. He will continue his work prosecuting felony drug crimes with a focus on developing and implementing new and innovative strategies to combat and prevent the harmful effects of drug abuse on Kaua‘i.
“It is a privilege to have such an experienced and well-respected attorney working for our office.” Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho said. “Sam has been one of our most successful deputies over the last several years, and will continue to be an enormous asset to the people of Kaua‘i as part of our team.”
Jajich received his undergraduate degree in political science from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude from Detroit College of Law at Michigan. Before joining the OPA he handled real property law, civil litigation, criminal law, landlord tenant, and contracts.
He has served as a law clerk for two of Kaua‘i’s most highly regarded former judges: the Honorable Judge Clifford Nakea and the Honorable Judge George Masuoka, the release states.
A 23-year resident of Kaua‘i, Jajich has two children, Sam, 23, and Miles, 9, and lives with his wife Lisa in Princeville.
“I am very grateful for my experience at the Kaua‘i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.” said McDowell “Working at the OPA was an unparalleled experience which allowed me to work with talented judges and attorneys, and serve the people of Kaua‘i. I will very much miss my co-workers and colleagues and wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
Jake Delaplane will remain the first deputy prosecuting attorney. The other deputy prosecuting attorneys include Lisa Arin, Jared Auna, Wendel Crutchfield, Lance Kobashigawa, Melinda Mendes, Tracy Murakami, John Murphy and Rebecca Vogt.
