EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – James Montoya, the new district attorney for the 34th Judicial District, was officially sworn in on Monday, Jan. 6.
From left to right: Julio Ordaz, Amy Lechuga, Jennifer VandenBosch, Rebecca Tarango, Joanie Puga, District Attorney James Montoya, Amanda Enriquez, Linda Estrada, Ballard Shapleigh, Stephanie Valle, Lily Stroud, Andra Litton. Photo courtesy of the 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Montoya also announced his leadership team who will working in the DA’s Office, which covers El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties. These included:
Rebecca Tarango – first assistant district attorney
Linda Estrada – felony division chief
Amanda Enriquez – misdemeanor and vehicular crimes division chief
Ballard Shapleigh – special prosecutions division chief
Jennifer VandenBosch – intake division chief
Lily Stroud – appeals division chief
“I have selected these leaders for their commitment to justice, professionalism, mentorship skills, and deep knowledge of the legal system. Together, we will work diligently to ensure that the people of the 34th Judicial District are served with fairness and transparency,” Montoya said.
Montoya assumed office on Jan. 1 and his team has been transitioning to their new roles since then.
Montoya also hired new attorneys to fill the vacant assistant district attorney positions, according to the DA’s Office.
“I’m happy to report that we’re onboarding at least a dozen lawyers today. Throughout the
campaign, my number one priority is making sure that we have enough lawyers staffing our
courts,” Montoya said. “I’m anticipating more attorneys joining us by the end of the month,
bringing the number of lawyers to more than 80. We are fully staffed at 93 lawyers, so we are
very close to being fully staffed.”
Additionally, Montoya also appointed several key administrative staff members to help support the office’s mission:
Amy M. Lechuga, MPA – chief of staff
Joanie Puga – executive assistant to the district attorney
Stephanie Valle – special projects administrator
Andra Litton – engagement coordinator
Julio Ordaz – chief investigator
“This team represents the diversity of skills and experience that will help us run a smooth,
efficient office while staying true to our mission of serving justice in a transparent and
accountable manner,” Montoya said. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and skill set
that will be invaluable as we move forward.”
Montoya, a Democrat, beat incumbent Republican Bill Hicks in the Nov. 5 general election.
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