Candidate for Nassau County District Attorney Sparks Controversy with Job Ad

A campaign for Nassau County’s Democratic District Attorney candidate has stirred significant backlash after posting a job listing that explicitly invites individuals with criminal convictions to apply.

The ad, posted on a employment site, seeks a “communications director” with a salary range of $6,000 to $7,000 per month. Notably, the listing states, “People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply,” a move that has been widely criticized.

The request for convicted criminals to apply stands out because traditional roles in media relations often require experience in handling press, working with journalists, and managing campaign messaging—skills meant to promote positive coverage for the candidate.

District Attorney Anne Donnelly condemned the advertisement, calling it “dangerous” and accusing the campaign of promoting a “criminal-first agenda” that prioritizes offenders over law-abiding citizens. She argued that the ad reflects poor judgment and a reckless approach to law enforcement.

Nicole Aloise, a seasoned prosecutor with 16 years of experience in both Queens and Nassau offices, is the candidate behind the campaign. Though some jurisdictions prohibit discrimination based on criminal history, the ad’s explicit invitation to applicants with criminal records has nonetheless sparked outrage.

Donnelly emphasized that the responsibilities of a District Attorney include safeguarding confidential information, ensuring justice, and holding offenders accountable—not recruiting individuals with criminal backgrounds to influence the campaign.

In response, Aloise’s campaign spokesperson defended the ad, stating that Aloise has a strong record of prosecuting violent felons. They argued an accidental checkmark on a job platform shouldn’t tarnish her reputation and pointed out that Nassau County has experienced a 44% increase in crime under Donnelly’s tenure.

Donnelly also highlighted her efforts to make Nassau County one of the safest in the U.S. and opposed laws like cashless bail, asserting her commitment to public safety and accountability.