Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts is facing mounting criticism after an internal compliance investigation revealed a pattern of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, and favoritism within his office — including a staff party held on Election Day 2023 that involved alcohol, themed costumes, and courtroom karaoke.
Dubbed “Fall Fest,” the November 2024 party triggered an internal probe after a formal complaint was filed with the county’s Human Resources Department on December 2. The resulting report, released following a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, confirmed that DA’s Office staff drank alcohol on county property during work hours, brought drinks into a courtroom, and left early without using accrued leave.
Decorations reportedly included simulated cocaine, and at least one staff member dressed as a stripper. Another came as a character from “The Sopranos.” Employees also sang karaoke in a courtroom, and the report described a widespread disregard for professional conduct that investigators said could lead to “negative public perception.”
District Attorney Ritts denied drinking at the party but admitted to drinking after hours and at a previous Fall Fest in 2023. Several staff members disputed his account, confirming that alcohol was consumed during the event.
The report concluded that Ritts violated Ontario County’s Workplace Conduct Standards and did not cooperate fully with investigators. It found that he discussed the investigation with staff — breaching confidentiality — and speculated about the identity of the complainant. The investigation also cited “blatant” unprofessionalism among top staff, naming Confidential Secretary Stephanie Sanders and Assistant District Attorney Victoria Porter as central figures in office gossip and inappropriate behavior.
Further allegations of favoritism were substantiated, with the report indicating Ritts showed preferential treatment to Sanders and her close associates. While some staff viewed Fall Fest as a morale booster, others said the environment was toxic and contributed to a wave of resignations from the office.
The report also raised serious concerns about past unaddressed instances of discriminatory or derogatory remarks about sexual orientation, which supervisors failed to report as required.
Ritts, who has served as DA since 2018, is seeking re-election in a Republican primary set for June 24. He has been endorsed by the New York State Police Investigators Association and the Ontario County Conservative Party, both of which praised his commitment to justice and working relationships with law enforcement.
But challenger Jason MacBride, a former First Assistant District Attorney and current Assistant County Attorney, has garnered the backing of the Ontario County Police Benevolent Association. The group cited concerns about how certain cases were handled under Ritts’ leadership and endorsed MacBride as a candidate who would “restore a strong partnership between law enforcement and prosecutors.”
Following the report’s release, MacBride issued a statement condemning Ritts’ conduct and framing it as part of the reason he entered the race.
“It became clear to me that change in the DA’s office was not only necessary — but urgent,” MacBride said in the April 11 statement. “What’s most troubling is that District Attorney Jim Ritts was found to have been untruthful with Ontario County Compliance, the State Office of Court Administration, and Administrative Judge William Taylor.”
He added, “This is not about ‘silly politics.’ It is not ‘silly’ for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation. That expectation is not partisan — it is fundamental to the rule of law.”
MacBride is running on a platform of restoring public trust, reducing staff turnover, and rebuilding the office’s credibility with both the public and victims of crime.
Ritts, a career prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience, has prosecuted over 130 jury trials and 175 appeals. He is active in the community and chairs the board of the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes.
The fallout from the report is likely to play a central role in the Republican primary. The winner will advance to the general election on November 4. With support for both candidates split among law enforcement groups, the outcome may come down to how voters interpret the findings of the investigation — and what level of accountability they expect from the county’s top law enforcement official.
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