Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts is preparing to retire, ending a 36-year legal career marked recently by controversy.
In a public letter, Ritts said the decision to step down was “bittersweet,” adding that he’s had “hard conversations” with his staff about his departure. “I have been blessed to make a difference in the lives of so many people,” he wrote. The Ontario County Board of Supervisors thanked Ritts “for his years of dedicated public service” and wished him well in retirement.
The announcement comes just weeks after Ritts lost the Republican primary to challenger Jason MacBride, a former assistant district attorney. Their race was shaped in part by fallout from a courthouse party held during work hours last fall, where employees in Ritts’ office were found to have consumed alcohol and worn provocative costumes.
An internal compliance report found that the November 2024 “Fall Fest” celebration, held in the courthouse on Election Day, violated multiple county policies. Decorations included a mock strip club office, and surveillance footage showed Ritts dressed as a character from The Book of Mormon entering an elevator.
Ritts defended the event as a “lighthearted office celebration” and accused MacBride of turning it into a “political scandal.” Speaking at a July press conference, Ritts called the investigation “a corrupt, politically motivated” effort.
MacBride, who previously participated in the event before Ritts was elected DA, denied drinking and said the event changed significantly once Ritts took over.
Despite losing the primary, Ritts had initially said he would continue his campaign. Now, he says he’s preparing his team and family for a smooth transition. “I also look forward to relaxing, finding new hobbies, and time with my family,” he wrote.
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