Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx Announces Appointment of New Chief Deputy State’s Attorney

Chicago - Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced today the appointment of Christopher “Thor” Martin as Chief Deputy State’s Attorney.

“Thor is a proven leader, tested prosecutor, and cutting-edge legal technology strategist,” said State’s Attorney Foxx. “I am thrilled to have him join my leadership team as we continue to ensure fair and equitable treatment for every Cook County resident.”

Martin is an 18-year veteran of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), mostly recently serving as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, which is tasked with the most complex prosecutions. Prior, he served as Supervisor of the Trial Technology Unit, where he spearheaded the digitization of the CCSAO’s operations, the transition of evidence and records to cloud storage, and the implementation of the office’s new search warrant database.

Martin also serves as a trainer for line Assistant State’s Attorneys (ASAs) on litigation technology, digital evidence, forfeiture, among other topics.  As Chief Deputy, Martin will work closely with State’s Attorney Foxx and office leadership to help oversee office operations, guide policy, and serve as a key liaison to law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. Martin will report to the First Assistant State’s Attorney Risa Lanier.

“I am honored to continue to serve State’s Attorney Foxx, my colleagues, and the people of Cook County in this new role,” said Martin. “This is an incredible opportunity to continue pushing for positive change in the justice system.” Martin holds both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a law degree from Indiana University.

Patrick “Pat” Waller will replace Thor as the new Deputy Bureau Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau. Pat is a 17-year office veteran who drove the Office’s response to defense challenges with forensic evidence. He also recently helped successfully prosecute the murders of the six members of the Martinez family.

Martin’s and Waller’s promotions are effective immediately.  

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is the nation’s second-largest prosecutor’s office and is led by Cook County’s first Black woman State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Foxx brings her vision to this office to fairly administer justice in the pursuit of thriving, healthy, and safe communities for every person who steps foot in Cook County, no matter their race, income, or zip code. Foxx has been recognized as one of the most progressive prosecutors through her forward-thinking, innovative strategies to intercept the cycles of violence and crime and bring change to a criminal justice system rooted in systemic racism. Follow @SAKimFoxx on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook.