Prosecutor’s Office Drug Unit, is leaving the office after three decades of service that began when she was a victim advocate. Kelley started working at the Prosecutor’s Office in August of 1995.
Kelley, who went to law school from 1997 - 2001 while working in the office, was later hired as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and went on to handle some of the county’s most complex and serious cases, including homicides. She ends her career as Chief of the Drug Unit, which prosecutes major narcotics traffickers, organized criminal conspiracies and other large-scale cases. She was also a member of the Major Crimes Unit, a group of highly skilled and experienced prosecutors, that reviews the most serious criminal matters to determine whether to authorize warrant requests.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with four prosecutors. Prosecutor Lucido's office has a culture of problem-solving and innovation. His mental health evaluation requirement in gun cases is one the smartest policies I’ve seen. We’re not just talking about gun violence; we’re doing something real about it. The policy is truly making a difference.” Prosecutor Lucido’s policy directs assistant prosecutors to ask judges to order mental health evaluations as a condition of bond in all gun-related cases, and to require such evaluations as part of any plea agreement involving a firearm.
Kelley also noted that the defense bar appreciates practicing in Macomb County because of the quality of the bench and the efficient procedures that Prosecutor Lucido has implemented within his office. She emphasized that behind those seamless processes are individuals who are both capable and compassionate. Kelley expressed her gratitude to the Victim Advocates as well as the entire staff, including administrative assistants and team members in the Warrant and Discovery Units. “Their dedication and hard work make prosecutors like me look good!” she said.
Despite her passion for the work, Kelley cited economic realities in her decision to depart, saying that Oakland County offers about $10,000 more in annual pay for assistant prosecutors.
“I loved my job and working with Prosecutor Lucido, the Macomb bench, and the wonderful support staff in the office but the economic reality was such that I could not pass up the opportunity to retire and earn more from a neighboring county,” Kelley said.
Lucido praised Kelley’s service and wished her well. “Rebecca Kelley has been an extraordinary leader and a driving force behind the success of our Drug Unit. Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to justice have made a lasting impact on our office and the community. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter,” Lucido said.
The Macomb County Drug Unit prosecutes all major narcotics cases in the county from warrant authorization through trial. The unit focuses on large-scale distribution and manufacturing of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs. Working with local, state and federal task forces, the unit aims to reduce the supply of illegal narcotics, and the crimes and deaths associated with them.
Despite a nationwide shortage of assistant prosecutors, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office fills vacancies quickly. “Talented people like working with other talented people. But to retain the best, we need to pay for the best,” Lucido said. His 2026 budget request supported a pay increase for top prosecutors, like Becky Kelley, to match the county’s assistant corporation counsel salaries.
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Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
