Attorney General Kevin G. Clarkson has appointed experienced prosecutor Tom Hoffer to fill the Bethel District Attorney position following former Bethel District Attorney Steve Wallace’s appointment to the Kodiak superior court, August 28, 2019.
Mr. Hoffer currently works as a prosecutor in the Fairbanks District Attorney’s Office and previously worked in the Bethel District Attorney’s Office between 2008 and 2012.
“Not only does Tom have the necessary legal experience to run the Bethel office,” said Attorney General Clarkson. “He also has previous connections and an understanding of the community he is going to serve. Having roots in the community makes a tremendous difference on longevity, stability and community partnerships. I am very excited that Tom wanted to take on this new job!”
Mr. Hoffer has been practicing law for 15 years. He recently returned to Alaska to work in the Fairbanks District Attorney’s Office after taking some time off to focus on other areas of law. Mr. Hoffer met his wife in Alaska and has expressed a sincere desire to return to Bethel.
“I am truly committed to public service, which is what brought me back to work as a prosecutor,” said Mr. Hoffer. “It is the most rewarding work I have done as an attorney, and now I get it to do it in Bethel, where some of the warmest and friendliest people in Alaska live. I am honored to return and serve this community.”
Mr. Hoffer’s first day in Bethel as the new district attorney was August 21, 2019. According to Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore, this has been a historically difficult office to staff, and it has become a priority of Attorney General Clarkson to provide the office with the necessary leadership to move it forward.
