Release Date: July 13,2026
Mayor Malik Appoints Jessica Connell as Chief City Prosecutor and Elayna Saad Deputy Chief Prosecutor
Akron, Ohio, July 13, 2026 — Mayor Malik has appointed Jessica Connell as the City of Akron's next Chief City Prosecutor. Connell begins in the role today, July 13, 2026. She brings a wealth of criminal law experience to the position, including service as a public defender, assistant prosecutor, Police Legal Advisor, and most recently as the City's Domestic Violence and Community Prosecutor. Connell succeeds current Chief of Public Safety Craig Morgan, who previously served as the City's Chief City Prosecutor before joining Mayor Malik's administration to lead Akron's public safety efforts. Elayna Saad who was serving as Interim Chief Prosecutor will resume her role as Deputy Chief Prosecutor.
Since joining the City of Akron Law Department in 2020, Connell has served in several key leadership roles, overseeing the Domestic Violence Unit, supervising assistant prosecutors, and working closely with law enforcement agencies throughout Summit County. As a Police Legal Advisor, she has provided around-the-clock legal guidance to officers and employees from multiple law enforcement agencies and is an OPOTA-certified instructor, training officers in constitutional law, criminal offenses, and courtroom testimony.
Connell's appointment reflects the administration's continued commitment to a comprehensive approach to public safety. This approach combines strong prosecution of criminal offenses with support for victims, collaboration with law enforcement, and efforts to build safer neighborhoods. Her experience prosecuting domestic violence cases, advising police officers, mentoring young attorneys, and working alongside community partners makes her uniquely qualified to lead the office at a time when effective collaboration across the justice system is more important than ever.
"Jessica has earned the respect of her colleagues, law enforcement partners, and the courts through her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to justice," said Mayor Malik. "She brings a wealth of courtroom experience, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of our community. I am confident she will lead the Prosecutor's Office with fairness, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to keeping Akron residents safe."
Mayor Malik continued, "I also want to thank Elayna Saad for her outstanding leadership over the past several months. Stepping into an interim leadership role is never easy, but Elayna provided steady guidance, supported her team, and ensured the Prosecutor's Office continued serving our residents without missing a beat. We are grateful for her commitment to the City and look forward to her continued leadership and service as Deputy Chief Prosecutor."
Under the direction of Akron City Law Director, Brian Angeloni, Connell will oversee the day-to-day prosecution of all misdemeanor offenses on behalf of the City of Akron and surrounding communities. Connell will also direct a team of assistant prosecutors and legal interns, providing legal instruction for the Akron Police Department’s basic academy and continuing professional training for all sworn officers. Connell will continue to work closely and provide legal advice to the Akron Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice.
"I am honored by Mayor Malik's confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Akron's Chief City Prosecutor," said Connell. "Throughout my career, I have been committed to pursuing justice with integrity, supporting victims, and working collaboratively with our law enforcement and community partners. I look forward to leading this talented team as we continue our work to protect the safety and well-being of Akron residents."
Before joining the City of Akron, Connell served as a staff attorney with the Summit County Legal Defender's Office and previously worked as a public defender in Ashtabula County, where she represented clients in misdemeanor and felony cases and worked with specialty courts focused on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Connell earned her Bachelor of Science from Lake Erie College with majors in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies and a minor in Social Science. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law and was then admitted to the Ohio Bar.
In addition to her prosecutorial duties, Connell serves on the Domestic Violence Coalition and Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, has successfully secured grant funding to support prosecution and victim services, and volunteers with Akron Pride.