Middlesex County Prosecutors (1921 - 2017)

In Memoriam

Carl W. Swanson Jr.
June 28, 1947 – January 8, 2017
In 1983, Carl W. Swanson joined the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor and in the early 1980s left to pursue a career in the private sector. He returned to the Prosecutor’s Office in 2006 where he worked in Special Investigations, Trial Teams, and then culminated his career in the Juvenile Unit. Carl loved his job and when asked why he was not retired, he would tell them that he loved what he was doing.

Lawrence R. West
November 18, 2010
Lawrence R. “Larry” West had a 28-year affiliation with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, eventually becoming the First Assistant Prosecutor. He then had a private criminal law practice. His favorite pastime was flying his Bonanza airplane and was a part-time instructor at the Raritan Valley Flying School. Larry was a member of the Angel Flight Northeast Organization, which flies volunteer missions transporting critically ill patients and their families to area hospitals and health centers.

Wade S. Baker
April 25, 1957 – December 7, 2005
Wade S. Baker joined the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor in July of 1998. His distinguished 17-year career in Middlesex County included trying burglary and homicide cases as well as serving as a legal advisor to the Middlesex County Narcotics Task Force. Wade has a sincere passion for people and the law and was known as someone you could depend on and trust. His memory is honored by the naming of the Wade Baker Room which is used for official swearing-in ceremonies, press conferences, and trainings.

Christopher T. Kapsak
November 28, 1973 – October 1, 2002
Christopher Kapsak was an Assistant Prosecutor at the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office for two years. He was the son of Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Kapsak who was a member of the MCPO for over 30 years. Christopher earned a degree at Seton Hall Law School where he was active in the Christian Legal Society, the Criminal Law Society, and the Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Board. He clerked for Assignment Judge Edward Beglin of Union County. As an active member of Millington Baptist Church in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, he was associated with the Fellowship Deaconry as a camp counselor for many years. He led a Bible group from Millington and was associated with their college and career group as well.

Richard J. Biunno
August 14, 1945 – December 23, 1999
Richard Biunno served as an Assistant Prosecutor of Essex County from 1975 through 1978 and of Middlesex County from 1978 through 1995. He was also an attorney with Lum, Biunno, and Thompkins in Newark. Richard was a member of the Newark Jaycees Club, the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, and the Essex County Bar Association. He edited the New Jersey Rules of Evidence since 1981. Richard was also the editor of “Blue Line”, a quarterly newsletter for County Law Enforcement Officers’ Legal Training. The Richard J. Biunno Memorial Grand Jury Room was named to honor his service to the Office.