Longtime Benton County District Attorney John M. Haroldson has left the building – retiring after 17 years. On Wednesday, there was a dedication at the Historic Benton County Courthouse, and after that, a ceremony at the Corvallis Library.
Haroldson was a trailblazer in Oregon’s legal community.
As the first Latino District Attorney in the state’s history, Haroldson gained a reputation for both fairness and a dedication to thoughtful justice.
Haroldson’s journey to becoming Benton County’s top prosecutor began long before his appointment in February 2007 by Governor Ted Kulongoski. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Central Washington University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon, Haroldson launched his prosecution career as an intern-prosecutor for the City of Albany in 1988. He later served as a Linn County Deputy District Attorney before joining Benton County as Chief Deputy District Attorney in 2002. His leadership and expertise in this role led to his election as District Attorney in November 2008, a position he has held with distinction for approximately 17 years.
Throughout his tenure, Haroldson earned recognition from both the Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation Program and the Oregon Humane Society for his excellence in prosecution. His contributions to the legal field extend beyond the courtroom, as he has also served as adjunct faculty for Willamette University School of Law and the National College of District Attorneys, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Reflecting on his career, Haroldson said, “Serving the public in this noble pursuit has been a great honor and exceptionally rewarding. In addition to the daily responsibilities that go with serving as District Attorney, I have sought to build an office that our community can confidently rely upon to uphold the standards of justice in Benton County. I am very proud of our office and the service we provide to our community.”
Haroldson further emphasized the importance of community in achieving justice.
“Justice cannot be fully realized unless you have a community that cares. I believe Benton County is such a community, and we all benefit as a result.”
Raised in both the Pacific Northwest and Monterrey, Mexico, Haroldson’s rich bilingual and bicultural upbringing has been a defining influence in his life and career. The son of a Scandinavian father and a Mexican mother, Haroldson holds the honor of being Oregon’s first Mexican-American District Attorney, a role he has approached with a deep understanding of diverse perspectives.
As he steps into retirement, Haroldson leaves behind a legacy of justice, education, and service—a legacy that has paved the way for future generations in Oregon’s legal community.
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