Another OAG prosecutor resigning

Assistant attorney general Benjamin Petersburg is resigning from the Office of the Attorney General’s Criminal Division.

Petersburg confirmed yesterday that he is leaving OAG effective August 2011.

“It’s really just personal reasons,” said the prosecutor, who refused to elaborate.

Petersburg, who is from Iowa, said he accepted a position as a prosecutor in New Mexico.

Petersburg joined the OAG’s Criminal Division in the middle of June 2010.

“It was a great experience. Very positive,” he said of his brief stint with the OAG. “I wish the office continue its success and all the attorneys continue to grow.”

Petersburg said he had already spoken with Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham and Chief Prosecutor Michael Ernest about his intent to resign. He will formally submit his resignation letter in the next couple of days.

Petersburg’s departure would leave the OAG’s Criminal Division with seven prosecutors, including Ernest.

Petersburg will be the 13th assistant attorney general to leave the OAG during Buckingham’s term as attorney general.

On Monday, assistant attorney general Meaghan Hassel-Shearer confirmed that her last day of employment with the OAG is the end of July. She is moving to Washington, D.C. “to take care of family.”