Morrow County hires a new DDA
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HEPPNER – Gregory Goebel is the new deputy district attorney for Morrow County. The last time Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson had to find a deputy district attorney the search took about a year. This time it was a matter of months. Nelson credits another Morrow County employee for making it happen so quickly.
“We got very lucky,” he said. “It took about three months to fill our position and that’s pretty incredible. I really have to thank our Morrow County Planning Director Tamra Mabbott.”
He said that Mabbott approached a person about a senior planner position. That person said she was interested, but her husband is an attorney and the move to Morrow County would make it difficult for him to find work.
“As luck would have it, we had the DDA position open,” Nelson said. “Gregory Goebel comes to us with several years of experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and civil practice attorney. I also think it’s important to add that he serves our nation as an Army captain and judge advocate for the Oregon National Guard Joint Domestic Operations Center.”
Nelson said the biggest hurdle in hiring a new deputy district attorney is the fact that Morrow County is rural. He believes Goebel will not experience a culture shock, putting down roots in the county. “His years as a prosecutor and defense attorney were in the John Day area,” Nelson said.
Photo of Gregory Goebel via LinkedIn
