Ex-Deputy D.A. Takes New Post on the Bench

Former Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Donald D. Coleman received a new title Friday: Superior Court Judge Donald D. Coleman.

The 45-year-old career prosecutor was formally sworn into the new position by Superior Court Judge Colleen Toy White during an afternoon installation ceremony at the Ventura County Hall of Justice.

Coleman was elected to the bench last March after the retirement of Judge Lawrence Storch.

Coleman is the latest in a line of county prosecutors elevated through gubernatorial appointment or election to the Ventura County bench, generally considered one of the state’s most conservative and toughest in sentencing.

He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and public law from UCLA in 1976, and a juris doctorate from Southwestern University of Law in 1978.

He moved to Ventura County in 1977, and rose through the ranks of the district attorney’s office during the next 17 years.

Coleman prosecuted more than 200 cases during his career, including homicides.

He supervised the special investigations and political corruption units of the district attorney’s office, as well as the child-abduction and recovery unit. He also managed the child support division as one of five top deputies.

During his election campaign last year, Coleman stressed that key issues were crime and, specifically, what can be done to reduce violent offenses by teenagers. He said he favors tougher sentences for repeat offenders but also educational and recreational options for at-risk youths.