The Newton County District Attorney's Office recently welcomed a new assistant district attorney, hired to lead the prosecution of cases of child abuse, felony sexual assault cases against adults and crimes against the elderly.

Peter Boehm has been a prosecutor for 15 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Northwestern University and received his juris doctor from the University of Georgia Law School. He has practiced in the district attorney's offices in Gwinnett, Fulton and DeKalb counties, as well as privately with Stone and Boehm in Duluth, and has experience in prosecuting crimes against children and cybercrime as well as child forensic interviewing.

"I believe that (Newton County District Attorney) Ms. (Layla) Zon's desire to establish a Special Victims Unit in the District Attorney's Office shows her commitment to protect these most vulnerable members of the community," said Boehm. "I am truly excited about joining her office and the opportunity to focus on pursuing justice for victims of such terrible abuse," he said.

"It is important to have a dedicated prosecution team to these cases because by their very nature, these cases involve complex legal issues within a specialized area of criminal law," said Zon. "In addition to that, these cases must be handled sensitively because they involve potential victims whose voice in the criminal justice system hinges upon the expertise and dedication of a committed advocate for their rights. This unit will not only focus their efforts on the prosecution of these cases, if justice demands it, but also on education and prevention within our two counties, and on providing assistance to law enforcement and community organizations who seek to assist in these goals.

"Mr. Boehm is uniquely equipped to handle these responsibilities and brings a vast amount of experience to further this effort. He has both the legal expertise and the commitment to share his knowledge and experience within our community. With that combination, I trust that our office will be stronger and our community will be safer," she said.

Boehm’s wife, Kimberly, is an attorney in Duluth. The couple has two daughters, ages 3 and 6, and are active in their church where he serves on the board of the preschool.