New Chief Deputy DA's named in Riverside County

Bennett received her BA degree in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton in 1989 and her J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1992. She joined the Riverside County District Attorney's Office in 1990 first as a law clerk, and was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney in 1993.

Bennett has held various assignments during her 15 years with the office, including positions within the Sexual Assault Unit, Felony Trials Unit, Gang Unit, and Homicide Unit. Bennett has tried 53 felony cases, including several homicide cases. In addition, Bennett was selected as the Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year in 1995 and Felony Prosecutor of the Year in 2005.

In December 2006 Bennett was named a Supervising Deputy District Attorney. Bennett's assignment as a Chief Deputy District Attorney has not been announced as of yet.

Lafferty received his B.A. degree in History from the University of California, Riverside in 1991 and his J.D. degree in 1996 from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. He worked for the District Attorney's Office in Contra Costa County for 4 years before joining the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

Lafferty has handled various cases for the office, including Domestic Violence, Narcotics, Asset Forfeiture and Superior Court Calendar Operations. Lafferty has prosecuted 62 jury trials, 40 of which have been felonies. He was named as a Supervising Deputy District Attorney in February 2007.

Lafferty will be heading the DA's Court Operations in the District Attorney's Western Division.