July 10, 2024
TRENTON-HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– At approximately 8 a.m., the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) became aware that our Executive Director Chadd W. Lackey died in a fatal multiple motor vehicle accident in Hamilton, N.J. this morning.
“We are devastated by the tragic news of Chadd’s death,” said SCI Chair Tiffany Williams Brewer. “On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the entire SCI staff, we extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the Lackey family and his loved ones. Our SCI family, the NJ Bar and the law enforcement community have suffered a great loss today as we embark upon a time of healing and reflection on Chadd’s legacy.”
SCI Commissioner Robert Burzichelli who has served on the Commission for a decade, praised Chadd’s leadership and the impact he made on the watchdog agency. “Chadd worked his way up through the ranks to lead the Commission. Under his watch, the SCI did tremendous work exposing wrongdoing and protecting New Jersey tax dollars,” Burzichelli said. “This is a huge loss for the citizens of the State of New Jersey and for all of us on the Commission.”
Governor Murphy said, “Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of New Jersey State Commission of Investigation Executive Director Chadd Lackey.
“Chadd broke barriers as SCI’s first Black executive director, working his way through the ranks over nearly 20 years of service to our state. During his time at the SCI, he took on organized crime, opioid abuse, corruption, and countless other issues. There is no doubt New Jersey is a safer and more just place because of him. Govenor Murphy said. “Our heartfelt prayers are with his family and his colleagues at the SCI during this difficult time.”
Mr. Lackey became Executive Director of the SCI in January 2020. He was the agency’s first black Executive Director. A longtime member of the Commission staff, Mr. Lackey had previously served as the agency’s Deputy Director/General Counsel. As investigative counsel he directed several of the agency’s most high-profile investigations into organized crime, including a groundbreaking inquiry that identified prescription pill abuse as the precursor to a new heroin epidemic. Prior to his employment at the Commission, Mr. Lackey was an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, Florida where he founded and managed the Community Prosecutions Unit. A graduate of Northwood University, Mr. Lackey earned his law degree from Temple University School of Law.
Executive Director Chadd W. Lackey State Commission of Investigation (SCI)
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