Dow appoints Lee Cunningham assistant district attorney

October 27, 2014
Dan Dow

Dan Dow

Longtime prosecutor Lee Cunningham will be the new second in command at the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, after receiving the appointment over the weekend. [Tribune]

District Attorney-elect Dan Dow, who is scheduled to take over the office on Nov. 6, appointed Cunningham to the post. Cunningham has worked for the district attorney’s office since 1985 and has conducted several murder trials that ended in convictions.

“As we implement changes to make our county a safer place to live, work and raise a family, I’m confident that Lee’s background in both the legal and law enforcement fields, experience in the courtroom and exemplary reputation make him the most qualified member of our office to serve in this capacity,” Dow stated in a news release.

Prior to joining the district attorney’s office, Cunningham worked a brief stint as a corrections officer at the California Men’s Colony and served on the San Luis Obispo police force. He enrolled in law school during his time with the police department.

Cunningham was one of numerous deputy district attorneys to endorse Dow during his campaign for the job of top prosecutor.


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“As we implement changes to make our county a safer place to live, work and raise a family…


I always get worried when I hear a bureaucrat talk about making my life easier, safer, etc. Everyone wants to implement a new program, or add new laws and regulations it seems. I would like to know EXACTLY what the DA’s office plans to do to “make our county a safer place to live, work and raise a family” in.


Are there not enough laws, rules and regulations on the books to prevent harmful activity? Did we miss one (or two)? Maybe (and this is me in dream-land) he is referring to cleaning out the scum from law enforcement, government, etc. That would be something to make our county a safer place.


Here’s crossing my fingers Mr. Dow, et. Al. will be prosecuting IN-HOUSE violators, corrupt people, and general malcontents within our local government.


Dan Dow made a excellant appointment. Lee Cunningham is a good honorable man.


One step closer to a police run DA office.


What is your point? The DA’s office IS law enforcement.


I think that he is concerned that too much influence by the police in the prosecutors office might make them comfortable in abusing their power knowing they wouldn’t get called on it. I think that is a legitimate concern but I also think it is a bit of a premature rush to judgment too.


Interesting choice. Lee is a nice guy, but in 29 years he hasn’t shown any interest in management, which makes me wonder how he will do as the chief of staff for Dow. I wish him well and hope he hasn’t gone in over his head.


Maybe it is because there is finally a DA in office he respects and can work with.


Interesting career trajectory?


Very nice to read and appreciate well deserved appointment.


Now, when are we going to get down to doing the citizen’s business in Arroyo Grande , orgren csd in Oceano, Cambria CSD , South County Sanitation and others.


Citizens are losing their Trust in the District Attorneys Office and Grand Jury.


We need financial and management audits !