Jennifer Downing-Mathis Promoted to First Assistant Prosecutor by Mercer County Prosecutor

Promotion of Jennifer Downing-Mathis to First Assistant Prosecutor Announced by Mercer County Prosecutor

TRENTON — Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri has recently announced the promotion of Jennifer Downing-Mathis to the position of first assistant prosecutor. Downing-Mathis, who serves as FAP, was officially sworn in by the Honorable Janetta D. Marbrey, J.S.C., at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse earlier this week.

In her new role, FAP Downing-Mathis will play a crucial part in policy formulation, investigation oversight, as well as providing general supervision to various units within the prosecutor’s office and its 210-member staff. Previously serving as deputy first assistant since September 2016, Downing-Mathis brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new position.

“I am delighted to have Jennifer assume this new role as our office continues its efforts to ensure a safer community for residents, workers, and visitors in Mercer County,” expressed Prosecutor Onofri.

Downing-Mathis embarked on her career with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office in 1998, following the successful completion of a clerkship for the Honorable Paulette Sapp-Peterson, J.S.C. Throughout her tenure, she has held significant positions such as chief of the Megan’s Law Unit and chief of the Special Victims Unit. Notably, she played a key role in establishing and obtaining accreditation for the Robin H. Scheiner Child Advocacy Center. Downing-Mathis boasts extensive experience in executive government administration, child abuse and sexual assault investigations, grant acquisitions, internal affairs, trial preparation, as well as legal research and analysis. Furthermore, she actively contributes to the community by mentoring and lecturing youth and actively participating in various community organizations, including the Eggerts Crossing Civic League.

Additionally, FAP Downing-Mathis utilizes her expertise beyond her role at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. She is a member of the New Jersey State Bar, serving as a trustee for the Criminal Law Section. In the past, she has held the position of president for the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (ABWLNJ) and is currently serving as an interim secretary and a trustee for the Mercer County Bar Association. Downing-Mathis’s remarkable involvement extends to the national level, as she is a member of the National District Attorneys Association and the National Black Prosecutors Association. Furthermore, she actively participates in the Mercer County Inns of Court, serves as chairperson of the Mercer County Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children, is a Stigma Free Mercer task force member, and is a proud member of the Mercer Vicinage Superior Court Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Throughout her career, FAP Downing-Mathis has been honored for her exceptional contributions. She has received awards from the Cherish the Child Foundation, the New Jersey Women’s Hall of Fame, and the ABWLNJ. Recently, she was inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who in America.

As an advocate for her local community, Downing-Mathis has strong roots in Mercer County. She attended Lawrence High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in Spanish from Rider University. She further pursued her education at Widener University School of Law, where she earned her law degree and became a member of the esteemed Moot Court Honor Society. Raised by her late parents, Robert and Sarah Downing, both deceased, Downing-Mathis now resides in Ewing Township with her husband, retired MCPO Lieutenant Lloyd Mathis.

In conclusion, Jennifer Downing-Mathis’s promotion to the position of first assistant prosecutor in Mercer County marks a significant milestone in her career. With her vast experience, dedication, and extensive involvement in community organizations, she showcases exemplary leadership qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to creating a safer and more secure Mercer County.