District Attorney Promotes Two Prosecutors to Supervisor Positions

District Attorney Tim Ward is pleased to announce the promotion of two Tulare County prosecutors to the position of Supervising Deputy District Attorney.

Mitch Niayesh began his career as a TCDA prosecutor in 2003. During his tenure, he has prosecuted cases as part of the general misdemeanor and felony teams, white collar crime, auto theft, homicide, and post-conviction law and motions. He was awarded Attorney of the Year by the Porterville Exchange Club in 2014. Niayesh holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of West Virginia and a Master’s Degree in engineering mechanics from California State University, Fullerton. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco in 2001. 

Benjamin Taksa began his career as a TCDA prosecutor in 2006. He obtained his undergraduate degree in history at the University of California, Davis and his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2004. Taksa has prosecuted misdemeanors, felonies, major gang crimes, and homicides in Visalia and Porterville. He was awarded Attorney of the Year by the Porterville Exchange Club in 2016.

“The selection process to become a Supervising Deputy District Attorney has always been highly competitive. I commend Mitch and Benjamin for excelling and earning these promotions. Victims and families will be well served by their years of experience and unique backgrounds,” said District Attorney Tim Ward.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare
Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494