Incoming DA Nathan Hochman names Steve Katz as chief deputy

Los Angeles County District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman has tapped veteran prosecutor Steve Katz as his chief deputy, Hochman announced Monday.

Katz has been with the District Attorney's Office since 1990 after graduating from the UCLA School of Law in 1989.

His experience includes numerous assignments throughout the county as a trial prosecutor and a calendar deputy, 83 jury trials and nine years in office management, according to Hochman's announcement.

He has led the office's Parole Division, Writs and Appeals Division, Airport Branch and Public Integrity Division. He has also served as a chair and member of the Executive Committee of the Criminal Law Section of the California State Bar.

Katz will be Hochman's second-in-command, overseeing all aspects of the District Attorney's Office.

"I have known Steve Katz for over 40 years and can unequivocally attest to his exceptional character and integrity," Hochman said. "He has repeatedly demonstrated that he has the intellect, experience, dedication, judgment and leadership skills to be an outstanding Chief Deputy. Mr. Katz shares my unwavering commitment to criminal justice, public safety, victims' rights and the continuing need for systemic reform, and I am proud and excited to make him an integral part of my administration."

Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, handily defeated incumbent George Gascón in Tuesday's election, winning over 60% of the vote at last count.

Gascón was swept into office four years ago with a progressive platform that later made him a target of critics who accused him of being soft on crime.

Gascón has defended his record while in office, denying allegations that his policies have led to an increase in crime and insisting that statistics show actual drops in many categories. But Hochman disputed that claim and said he would ensure people serve appropriate punishment for their crimes.