Prestley “has been appointed, effective Dec. 13, as acting chief prosecutor. This appointment shall continue until modified by the attorney general,” said Buckingham in an email to the Variety.
He did not say if prosecutors will be named acting chief prosecutor on a two-month rotating basis.
When asked for comment, Prestley said: “I am extremely honored that the attorney general selected me to serve as the acting chief prosecutor during this period of transition in the criminal division.”
He added, “I plan to work hard to serve the people of the commonwealth with the continued support of our excellent staff and attorneys.”
Variety was told the position of chief prosecutor was offered to Assistant Attorney General Shelli Neal, but she declined.
Neal became the senior prosecutor in the criminal division due to a rapid personnel turnover.
Last month, Chief Prosecutor Michael Ernest filed an extended leave of absence of up to two months, and has resigned from the position.
Prior to his resignation, Ernest declined to sign the charging document against Public Auditor Mike Pai’s wife for theft of utility.
Buckingham and Mr. Pai have been publicly feuding.
Last May, Buckingham forced Ernest to “resign” for “disloyalty,” only to rehire him on the following day.
