Richard Chiapete Appointed Racine County District Attorney

Richard Chiapete has been appointed to serve as the Racine County District Attorney, Governor Scott Walker's office announced today, March 1. He replaces Michael Nieskes who was appointed to the bench to fill a vacancy left by the late Judge Dennis Barry.

The term expires in 2013, and Chiapete can then run for re-election.

Here's the full press release from the Governor's office:

Today Governor Scott Walker announced the appointment of W. Richard Chiapete to the position of District Attorney for the county of Racine.

“Mr. Chiapete has a proven record of making sound judgments and working hard to serve the community of Racine,” Governor Walker said.  “Mr. Chiapete’s experience gained from being Deputy District Attorney is clearly valuable and will help him to make decisions that are firm but fair.”

Mr. Chiapete graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Business Administration in 1987 before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 1991. He went on to practice law for almost 21 years in both civil and criminal courts. He joined the Racine County District Attorney’s Office in December of 1998 and was promoted to Deputy District Attorney in 2005.

“He has been Deputy District Attorney for Racine County and has the respect of all his staff, co-workers and anyone else who has had dealings with him,” wrote retired Circuit Court Judge Emmanuel Vuvunas in a letter of recommendation for Chiapete.

In addition to being a lifelong member of the Racine community, he is an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he serves on the Parish Council, Finance Committee, and Grievance Committee.

“I have known Rich for 20 years,” said Racine County Circuit Court Judge Jude.  “I believe his insight, character and commitment to justice makes him an excellent choice to lead the prosecutorial arm of the criminal justice system.”