Ruggiero named DuPage prosecutions chief

Veteran DuPage County Prosecutor Joseph Ruggiero said he was “the happiest guy in the world” Thursday.

Ruggiero’s joy came after he was named the next criminal prosecutions chief for the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office. The position previously was held by Robert Berlin, who recently was appointed state’s attorney.

“I’m a pretty lucky guy to work with the professional police officers and prosecutors that I do and I look forward to working with them for the rest of my career,” Ruggiero said. “It’s exciting. I just want to express how thankful I am that we have Bob Berlin leading the charge and I’m thankful for the appointment.”

Berlin was just as complimentary in a prepared statement issued Thursday morning.

“Joe Ruggiero is a career prosecutor who has devoted his entire professional career to the safety of DuPage County,” Berlin said. “In his 20-plus years with the office, Joe has seen and done it all. His work in the courtroom has earned him the reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor while his work outside the courtroom has earned him the reputation as a compassionate, caring advocate for crime victims and their families.”

Ruggiero started his career with the state’s attorney’s office in 1987. In 1991, he left to work in private practice, but returned to the state’s attorney’s office two years later.

“I love courtrooms, and helping victims and trying cases,” he said. “I just love doing that and I’m grateful to get to continue doing it.”

In his previous role as deputy chief of the special prosecutions bureau, Ruggiero supervised 30 assistant state’s attorneys and investigators. In addition, he prosecuted numerous violent crimes, including murders.

He also serves as the office’s liaison to the Major Crimes Task Force and supervises all civil litigation related to street gang activity.

“Joe’s extensive knowledge and experience will continue to be a tremendous asset to the office,” Berlin said. “We are very lucky to have him on our team.”