Anoka County Attorney Palumbo to retire at end of 2022

Anoka County will have a new top prosecutor next year.

Friday, Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo announced he will retire at the end of the year instead of seeking reelection.

Palumbo started at the attorney’s office in October 1977, and has been an assistant county attorney in all four legal divisions – civil, criminal, family and juvenile – before becoming county attorney in 2011.

Previously, he served as chairman of the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council, and is currently the president of the Urban County Attorney’s Association.

The attorney’s office says it launched initiatives fighting elder abuse, domestic violence and the opioid epidemic under Palumbo’s leadership, got the county’s first veteran’s court grant and also collaborated to create the county’s specialty drug court.

“I have been fortunate to have worked with, and been guided by, so many professional people in Anoka County throughout the years,” Palumbo said in a statement. “The attorneys and the staff in this office have been exceptional in their performance and dedication. My years here have been a wonderful learning experience that has helped me serve the people of Anoka County. I’m so grateful for the privilege of serving as County Attorney.”