Thomas Quinn III (left) has been appointed to replace Bristol County DA Sam Sutter. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Outgoing Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick Friday appointed Thomas Quinn III as acting Bristol County District Attorney, after District Attorney Sam Sutter resigned after winning a recall election and being sworn-in Monday to become Mayor of Fall River.
Quinn served as Sutter’s First Assistant District Attorney and becomes Sutter’s replacement in the DA’s office effective immediately.
Quinn’s appointment as Bristol County’s DA is subject to review by Governor-elect Charlie Baker, who can undo any appointment made within the last 15 days by his predecessor.
Sutter said he spoke with Patrick on Wednesday, and submitted his letter of resignation from the DA’s position on Thursday night. Sutter told WPRO News he recommended Quinn to take over, and that he applauds Patrick for his decision.
In a statement, Patrick said Quinn has the experience to be the next DA saying, “I am making this appointment now to assure the stability of the critical work of the office and fully respect the authority of the incoming Governor to make his own appointment in due course.”
Quinn has tried over 100 cases and has supervised all prosecutions in Superior Court. He will now be tasked with heading the prosecution of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez for the murder of Odin Lloyd, the trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection January 9.
Quinn served as Assistant DA since 2007, after several years in private practice.
