New Broome County District Attorney Hires Opponent

Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak has appointed one of the candidates who ran against him to work as a prosecutor in his office.

Korchak Monday announced the hiring of Debra Gelson to be a senior assistant district attorney.

Gelson was the Democratic candidate in the November election which Korchak won as he ran on the Libertarian Party line.

In announcing the appointment, Korchak noted Gelson has more than three decades experience as a defense attorney, former prosecutor and municipal court judge. She'll work in the special victims and violent crimes bureaus.

Korchak also has appointed Mark Loughran to serve as chief assistant district attorney. Loughran also will be the drug crimes bureau chief. Loughran has been an attorney for 32 years. He has worked as a prosecutor in Broome, Rensselaer and Dutchess counties.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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