Brookdale Alum Pursues Justice in Monmouth County

From Brookdale Classroom to County Courtroom
Brookdale Alum Named Assistant Prosecutor for Monmouth County

Ten years after graduating from Brookdale Community College, Alexander Karn, who once sat in the college’s political science classrooms, is now standing before judges, advocating for justice as a Monmouth County assistant prosecutor.

A Howell native, Karn has spent the last decade pursuing his lifelong dream of a career in criminal law, a passion rooted in his upbringing and inspired by his father, a longtime Allenhurst police officer. His early exposure to public service sparked an interest in the legal system that shaped every step of his academic and professional journey.

“I’ve known since I was a kid, probably since fifth grade, watching Forensic Files, that this is what I wanted to do,” Karn said. “Whether on the police side or the prosecutor’s side of the badge, this work has always felt like a calling.”

After earning his associate degree in political science at Brookdale, Karn continued his education at Stockton University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic psychology. He later graduated from Rutgers Law School, where he specialized in criminal law and procedure.

Before joining the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Karn served as a judicial law clerk in the Mercer County Superior Court for the Honorable Robert Lytle. This experience deeply influenced his approach to the law. “Judge Lytle had an incredible work ethic and treated every moment as a teachable one,” Karn recalled. “I still have a list of his ‘dos and don’ts’ on my nightstand at home. That experience shaped how I approach every case.”

During his time at Brookdale, Karn said the faculty were instrumental in preparing him not only with knowledge but with connections that continue to shape his professional life.

Reflecting on his path, he noted that Brookdale played a foundational role in preparing him for the rigors of law school and the realities of a legal career. “Some of my Brookdale honors classes were among the most challenging courses I’ve ever taken, even in law school,” Karn said. “Professors like  Thomas Cioppa, Ph.D., and Jonathan Moschberger pushed me to think critically, emphasized the importance of community engagement, and showed how local-level impact can create real change. Those lessons still guide me in my work today.”

“One of my first criminal justice classes was with Professor Ralph Cretella,” Karn said. “Today, I see him regularly in court as a defense attorney. We’ve worked on roughly a dozen cases together, and we currently have ongoing cases as well. That’s the kind of long-term, real-world connection Brookdale fosters.”

He also credits Professor Thomas Kapsak for bringing practical, real-world experience into the classroom. “Professor Kapsak would spend half the class on textbook material and the other half walking us through actual cases he worked on, some of which were major cases I’ve since encountered as an attorney. That balance of theory and practice was invaluable.”

Now serving in the juvenile section of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Karn manages a caseload of more than 50 cases. His focus, he said, is always on justice, a principle that requires careful consideration of the full picture.

“My job isn’t about winning convictions,” Karn explained. “I fight for victims, but at the same time, I have to consider circumstances, things like family history, age, and prior behavior. That’s a fact-by-fact determination in every single case. However long I’m here and whatever unit I’m assigned to, that commitment to fundamental fairness is something I want to carry forward. That’s how we do things here in Monmouth County.”

That reputation for fairness, professionalism, and rigor is part of what drew Karn to the office in the first place. “Everyone I know in the legal field speaks highly of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office,” he said. “They recognize the writing style, the preparation, and the tenacity of the attorneys who come out of this office.”

Looking ahead, Karn plans to dedicate his career to serving the people of Monmouth County. “This isn’t a stepping stone for me. This is where I want to build my career,” he said. “My intent is to stay here and retire here, continuing to make a meaningful impact in the community I care about.”

He also offered advice to current Brookdale students pursuing careers in law or public service. “The first two years at Brookdale provide a strong foundation,” he said. “Take advantage of every opportunity, from internships to conversations with faculty. Go on that jail tour, volunteer, and start building those professional connections early. They’ll shape your career in ways you can’t yet imagine.”