After serving a decade as county prosecuting attorney, Richard “Dick” Rohman is resigning effective Dec. 31.
Rohman told the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors Monday that he’s 69 years old, and he wants to enjoy traveling while he still can.
“I have decided it’s time for me to pass the baton to someone else,” Rohman said.
Rohman pointed out that there are only six practicing attorneys eligible for the position because the law requires them to live in Yazoo County.
“When I started practicing in 1987 there were 18 attorneys practicing in Yazoo County,” Rohman said. “Now there are six. It’s unfortunately another one of those areas where we’re starting to get a little short.”
Rohman recommended that the board appoint attorney Betsy Cotton as his replacement. Rohman said that Cotton, who practices with his firm, is interested in the job and has relevant experience with her work in the local youth court system.
“That’s the part of the prosecuting job that requires the most time and paperwork,” Rohman said. “Traffic court is Thursday afternoon, and you show up and whatever is there you prosecute. Youth court has a great deal of paperwork, that has frankly gotten to be somewhat burdensome to my operation.”
If the board appoints Cotton, a special election would be held if anyone else qualified to run for the position. Rohman said he has spoken with the eligible attorneys in the county, and he doesn’t think anyone else is interested in serving.
Rohman said he has enjoyed his time as prosecuting attorney, and he is grateful to have had the opportunity.
“I want to thank this board and the citizens of Yazoo County for allowing me to do this all this time,” Rohman said. “I know some are not as happy with me as others might be, but it has worked well. I have enjoyed working with the Sheriff’s Department. There are some very good folks over there, and we have had a good relationship.”
District 4 Supervisor Jayne Dew said Rohman will be missed.
“We hate that you’re leaving, but we certainly understand,” Dew said. “Go and enjoy the things that you’ve been putting off.”
