Mello Named New Acting Prosecutor to Lead Hudson County Office

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the appointment of a new Acting Prosecutor for Hudson County. First Assistant Prosecutor Wayne Mello, who has tried high-profile murder cases, has been promoted to lead the countywide law enforcement agency.

Mello started in the new role at HCPO effective July 31, 2025. Selected as HCPO’s First Assistant Prosecutor in 2016, Mello has now assumed the top job at the office, as outgoing Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, who has served in the post since 2015, retired effective August 1.

Mello will supervise the HCPO’s approximately 70 assistant prosecutors and more than 100 detectives as they investigate and prosecute major criminal cases involving violent crime, gun violence, narcotics distribution, cybercrimes, gang activity,…