SMETHPORT — McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer has announced the addition of a new assistant district attorney to the office.

Luzerne County native Jerry Grill has been hired to fill a position left empty by former assistant district attorney Sean Barrett.

Grill attended Temple University and Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He’s had internships with the Philadelphia County District Attorney’s Office and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.

“He practiced in the area of civil litigation prior to joining the McKean County District Attorney’s office,” Shaffer noted.

As for his move to a new county, Grill looks forward to spending time in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

“A newcomer to McKean County, attorney Grill is excited to explore the vast natural area McKean County has to offer,” said Shaffer. “As an avid hiker, fisherman and hunter, attorney Grill will find the many splendors of the great outdoors in McKean County to be refreshing and revitalizing.”

Barrett has been with the McKean County District Attorney’s office since 2015.

He left to take a position near Harrisburg, according to Shaffer, who lauded Barrett’s time with the office.

“Attorney Barrett was a great addition to the DA’s office two years ago and, during that time, he represented the Commonwealth well,” she said. “I appreciate the commitment he showed to the county during that time, the diligence he displayed in his job performance, and the attention he paid to county residents who were victims of crimes.”

Shaffer is hopeful Grill will show the same dedication during his own time as assistant district attorney.

She explained, “Attorney Grill is eager to fill the shoes of attorney Barrett in the commitment to the preservation of justice for the residents of McKean County.”