Platkin names experienced prosecutor as director of criminal justice

A former federal prosecutor who went after a major manufacturer of opioids has joined the state attorney general’s office as the director of the Division of Criminal Justice.

J. Stephen Ferketic, a 36-year-old former Teach for America science teacher who clerked for two federal judges, was named to the post by Attorney General Matt Platkin.  He’ll supervise a staff of over 400 prosecutors, detectives, investigators, and other staff to curb criminal activity across the state.

“Stephen returns to New Jersey where he began his legal career.  He brings with him policy and management experience having most recently served as the Chief of Staff at the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the litigation and investigative skills he gained as a federal prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey,” said Platkin.  “His experience will be crucial as he pursues wrongdoing across the state with a focus on intelligence-driven investigations that promote a safer and more just New Jersey.”

Ferketic clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Anne Thompson and Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Patty Schwarz, and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey before heading to Washington to join the DEA.  He began practicing law as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges in New York.

“I am incredibly honored to join the dedicated members of the Division of Criminal Justice, who work tirelessly every day to protect the people of New Jersey,” he said. “I am thrilled to join Attorney General Platkin and his team and look forward to getting to work.”

He handled several high-profile prosecutions, including one against Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin.  In a plea agreement, Purdue pled guilty to three felonies and was required to pay more than $8 billion in penalties.

Ferketic replaces Pearl Minato, who left to become senior counsel to the attorney general prior to her retirement earlier this year.  Derek Nececkas had served as the acting director.