newjerseynewsroom.com

Former state trooper will be first Hispanic to hold the position

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

President Obama Wednesday nominated Juan Mattos Jr., who spent 35 years with the State Police and rose to its second highest rank, to become the chief U.S. marshal for New Jersey.

Mattos, 55, will be the first Hispanic to hold the important post in New Jersey if confirmed, as expected, by the U.S. Senate.

Mattos, who resides in Monroe, began his law enforcement career with the New Jersey State Police as a trooper in 1975. He rose through the ranks over the next thirty years to become a lieutenant colonel, a position he held from 2002 until his retirement last year. He currently serves as an agent with the Middlesex County prosecutor’s office in Edison.

Obama also nominated Robert “Bobby” Mathieson, a former Virginia Beach police officer, as U.S. marshal for Eastern Virginia.

“Throughout their careers, these dedicated law enforcement professionals have shown an unwavering commitment to public service,” Obama said of Mattos and Mathieson. “I am honored to nominate them to serve the American people as U.S. Marshals.”

Mattos had the support of New Jersey’s two U.S. senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, both Democrats.

Law enforcement officials say the chief U.S. marshal in New Jersey is a critical federal post: His marshal helps capture fugitives and oversees security at all-important federal courthouses.

Obama hadn’t nominated anyone for the New Jersey position since taking office, even though 69 marshals had been nominated in other districts, and 66 of those were confirmed. The delay was caused by Lautenberg and Menendez who were at odd for almost two years over whom to recommend to Obama.

Donald Rackley has been serving as acting chief marshal since August.

Mattos obtained his bachelor’s degree from Jersey City State College and holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Monmouth University.