LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County has a new district attorney — Ashley Smith, who served as county attorney since 2020.
Smith was sworn in Wednesday morning by Cattaraugus County Court Judge Ronald D. Ploetz in a private ceremony in the Cattaraugus County Legislature’s James J. Snyder Legislative Chamber. Her brother, Kane Smith, held the Bible.
Smith succeeds Lori P. Rieman, the county’s first female district attorney, who was first elected in 2009, and did not seek-re-election. Rieman defeated her former boss, District Attorney Edward Sharkey.
Smith was elected on the Republican and Conservative Party lines without opposition.
In her platform, Smith fashioned herself an “experienced prosecutor” with traditional conservative values. She called for “principled Republican leadership” in the District Attorney’s office.
Erin L. Whitcomb, who succeeded Smith as county attorney, gave the invocation at her swearing-in ceremony.
Making opening remarks before the swearing in were: Cattaraugus County Administrator Kelly Reed, Undersheriff Nathan Root, Sheriff’s Chief of Detectives Capt. Jordan Haines, Olean Criminal Unit Capt. Robert Blovsky, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Capt. Daniel Howard and County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr.
In remarks following her swearing in, Smith expressed her gratitude to family and supporters including Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman, TEAM Ashley, law enforcement and her staff.
Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman Mark Heberling said, “Cattaraugus County is ushering in a new era of leadership with the introduction of District Attorney Ashley Smith. Ashley brings a resolute commitment to empowering law enforcement, holding criminals accountable, and restoring confidence in our justice system.”
Smith hosted a buffet lunch at the BANQ in Ellicottville following her swearing-in ceremony.
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