Politics

Magistrate challenges Newman for D.A. job

Mary Ann Hollocker

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 12, 2018

Henderson County Magistrate Mary Ann Hollocker announced that she will seek the Republican nomination for District Attorney of Judicial District 42, which covers Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties.

With over a decade working as a Deputy Prosecutor in Hawaii, Hollocker has a background in prosecution and criminal law. Prosecuting all types of offenses from traffic tickets to murder, Hollocker also handled her own appellate work and argued before the Hawaii Supreme Court.

In April of 2012, she relocated her family to Henderson County to be closer to her parents and to ensure her son, who was diagnosed with autism, received the services he needed. She was appointed to serve as a magistrate in 2014. Her strong knowledge of criminal law and procedure have earned her the respect of the legal and law enforcement communities, so much so that in 2016 she was reappointed to another four-year term.

Hollocker sees opportunities to make changes in the District Attorney’s office. Currently assistant district attorneys are assigned to specific courthouses. Hollocker advocates for specialized assistant district attorneys to travel throughout the three counties dedicated to specific crimes. For example, teams might be focused on drug offenses, violent crimes, property crimes and domestic violence among others.

“I would like to see specialized task forces consisting of Law Enforcement Officers and Assistant District Attorneys working together throughout the three counties on specific types of crimes,” she said in a news release.

“The citizens and victims of crime are entitled to strong representation from the District Attorney’s office. I believe it is time for a positive change in our three counties and I am confident I can lead that charge.”

Hollocker will face District Attorney Greg Newman, who is also a Republican, in the May 8 primary election.