Manhattan DA Names New Chief Assistant, Promotes 4 Others

ROBERT M. MORGENTHAU: Taps five senior staffers.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau May 7 made five promotions to senior positions in his office, among them a new Chief Assistant District Attorney.

That job went to Mark Dwyer, a 32- year veteran of the DA's Office who had been serving as Chief of the Appeals Bureau. He succeeds Daniel Castleman, who resigned last month after Mr. Morgenthau declined to back him in the Democratic primary for District Attorney. The 35-year DA is retiring at the end of this year.

Succeeded By His Deputy

Mr. Dwyer's old job will go to Hilary Hassler, a 30-year staffer in the DA's Office who most recently served as his Deputy Chief.

Leroy Frazer Jr., a 29-year employee who had been Executive Assistant DA for Governmental Affairs and Community Affairs, was named First Assistant District Attorney.

Frederick J. Watts, a 26-year vet, was appointed Counsel to the DA but will also retain the post of Executive Assistant District Attorney.

Finally, Michael T. Dougherty, the junior member of the promotees with just 12 years' service in the DA's Office, was advanced from Deputy Administrative Assistant DA to Administrative Assistant DA.

Mr. Morgenthau disclosed in a statement that he had previously promoted Audrey Moore and Kerry O'Connell, who each have at least two decades' service in his office, to be Co- Chiefs of the Family Violence and Child Abuse Bureau.