On June 8, 2009, Bocchini became the first full-time prosecutor in Mercer County history to be sworn in to a second five-year term. As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, he leads the 170-member prosecutor’s office. Prior to becoming prosecutor on Aug. 8, 2003, he served as a municipal court judge in Hamilton Township for two and a half years. Bocchini has been at the forefront of the anti-gang initiative in Mercer County. His office boasts conviction rates over 90 percent. During his tenure, the Mercer County Police Academy was founded in cooperation with the county executive, the county sheriff, the Chiefs of Police Association, Mercer County Community College and the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He has spearheaded landmark investigations such as Operation Weeping Willow, the largest investigative narcotics seizure in Mercer County history. A lifelong resident of Mercer County, Bocchini was raised in Trenton’s Villa Park/Wilbur area and graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1962. He moved to Hamilton in 1974 and still resides there today.
Describe your morning routine, before you arrive at work.
I typically wake up around 6:30 a.m. After a light breakfast of fruit and coffee, I read the local papers online, and review any emails that may have come in overnight. Three or four days a week, I exercise for about 20 minutes. Then it’s shave, shower and hit the road.
How do you wind down at the endof a busy day or week?
At the end of a busy day, I like to work out at the Hamilton YMCA. Some swimming, a bike ride and the steam room. At the end of a busy week, I enjoy a nice glass of wine while making dinner, especially recreating authentic Italian dishes based on my mother’s recipes.
What newspapers and magazines do you regularly read?
The local newspapers (The Times of Trenton and The Trentonian), The Star-Ledger, New Jersey Law Journal, New Jersey Monthly, Bon Appetit, The Food Network Magazine, Golf Digest and The American Hunter.
What is a perfect day?
A perfect day would be a round of golf in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, and a nice dinner and bottle of wine in the evening.