Top prosecutor earns judgeship

Oakland's top federal prosecutor was named a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge Thursday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

John Laettner, 50, a Walnut Creek resident, has been an assistant U.S. attorney since 1989 and served for several years as chief of the Oakland office of the U.S. attorney for California's Northern District.

"Jack is an outstanding prosecutor, and I think he will make an excellent addition to the bench," U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan said. "On behalf of myself and the office, I wish him all the best."

A few years ago Laettner was assigned to work with Alameda County prosecutors on the high-profile case of Stuart Alexander, a San Leandro sausage factory owner who shot and killed three state and federal meat inspectors. Alexander was convicted and sentenced to death, but he died in prison recently of natural causes.

Laettner was a Tulare County deputy district attorney from 1985 to 1989 and an associate with the Fresno firm of Stammer, McKnight, Barnum and Bailey in 1983. He holds a law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law and a bachelor's degree from UC San Diego.

A Republican, he fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Merle Russell Eaton. A superior Court judge earns an annual salary of $149,160.

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