WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Vernon L. Jackson, Sr. has taken the oath to serve as the new Navajo Nation Chief Prosecutor. Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne administered the oath during a ceremony held at the Navajo Nation Department of Justice in Window Rock, AZ.
Chief Prosecutor Jackson is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Chinle, AZ. Since July 2021, Jackson has served as the Acting Chief Prosecutor. His experience includes over 20 years of federal law enforcement service as a special agent, including serving as the Assistant Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, as well as over 10 years of law enforcement experience with the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Jackson is also a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association.
“We congratulate Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson, Sr., and his family as he took the sacred oath to serve and protect our Navajo people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “Together, Chief Prosecutor Jackson and Attorney General McPaul can begin to build a legacy for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. We are confident that Jackson will serve our communities with dignity and preserve the best interests of victims with fair prosecution that balances offender’s accountability with prevention, intervention, and restorative justice.”
Prior to taking the oath, Chief Prosecutor Jackson expressed his appreciation and looks forward to continuing to make improvements within the Navajo Nation justice system. “I am honored for this opportunity to serve the Navajo people, and I am committed to ensuring the prosecution of crimes in a manner that effectively promotes public safety,” said Jackson.
“Mr. Jackson has dedicated his career to seeking justice by holding perpetrators accountable and helping victims,” said Attorney General Doreen McPaul. “His experience and expertise within the public safety sector will serve the Navajo people well. I am confident that the Office of the Prosecutor will continue to stabilize and thrive under Mr. Jackson’s leadership.”
“The Navajo Division of Public Safety is certainly proud of the permanent appointment and selection of Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson, Sr.,” said Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Delmar. “We worked with Chief Prosecutor Jackson in an acting-Chief capacity for the past year, and he did an exemplary job. We thank the Navajo Department of Justice for making a fine selection, welcome the new Chief Prosecutor, and look forward to continuing working with him.”
