Stephens is new Essex prosecutor

Essex County Surrogate Ted Stephens is expected to be sworn in as the acting county prosecutor, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Gov. Phil Murphy will formally nominate Stephens to take the post.

An East Orange attorney, Stephens is a former Orange Municipal Court Judge.  He was elected Surrogate in 2011.

Stephens is an ally of Essex County Democratic Chairman Leroy Jones.

At some point, Murphy will also nominate an acting surrogate.  That nomination must also be confirmed by the State Senate.

Stephens’ resignation will trigger a special election for Surrogate to be held in November.  The candidates will be chosen by the respective Democratic and Republican county committees.