Governor Lolo Moliga has appointed Mitzie Jessop Taase as acting attorney general replacing former AG Talauega Eleasalo Ale who resigned to run for public office.
The governor introduced Jessop Taase at the Emergency Operations Center briefing on the weather this morning.
A memo was issued later officially appointing Jessop Taase as AG.
The governor said, “Jessop Taase’s years of service within the Attorney General’s Office have well prepared her to lead the Department of Legal Affairs. Her knowledge and leadership abilities are also needed during this time of transition.”
Jessop Taase who is currently Senate counsel is a former deputy attorney general and headed the criminal division in the Dept of Legal Affairs for several years.
She was well known for her aggressive prosecution of domestic violence and sexual abuse cases.
She joined the Fono as Senate Counsel in January of 2017.
Before he stepped down as AG effective February 15, Talauega named Alexandra Zirschky, who heads the Civil Division, as Acting AG.
