ABOUT JOHN MACIEJCZYK
John Maciejczyk has spent his life answering the call to serve. From defending our nation in the U.S. Navy to protecting communities as a prosecutor, John has built his career around leadership, integrity, and a commitment to justice.
John grew up as the second of five children. Inspired by a family tradition of military service, including his father and grandfather’s service in the Navy, John chose to attend the United States Naval Academy.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, John served as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard destroyers in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans. During his time on active duty, he helped track Soviet submarines throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean regions. His dedication and expertise earned him several military honors, including the Navy Achievement Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. John graduated first in his class from Surface Warfare Officer School and later served as an instructor at the Atlantic Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare School, where he trained sailors in submarine tactics and operations based on his own experiences at sea. After active duty, John continued serving in the Navy Reserve, ultimately retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Following his military service, John pursued another avenue of public service through the law. Seeking an intellectual challenge and a deeper understanding of justice, he attended law school, where he served on the law review before graduating in 1984. He then clerked for a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit before beginning his legal career.
After several years practicing law in Texas, John returned to South Bend to be closer to family and continue serving the community he called home. In 1998, he joined the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office as Chief Deputy Prosecutor. During his time there, John prosecuted some of the county’s most serious cases, including murder and death penalty cases. He tried approximately 60 cases and lost only one.
John later joined the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office, where he continued prosecuting major felony cases, including murder, attempted murder, and serious drug offenses. In just 16 months, he tried 24 cases and secured victories in all of them.
In 2004, John began a more than 20-year career as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Indiana. During his time as a federal prosecutor, he held several leadership roles, including National Security Coordinator, Internet Crime Coordinator, and Internet Crimes Against Children Coordinator. He prosecuted complex federal cases and handled more than 30 appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. John also taught cyber crime law at the law school for approximately 11 years, sharing his experience and expertise with the next generation of legal professionals.
After retiring from federal service, John continued serving his community as a teacher, deputy prosecutor, private attorney, and most recently as a public defender in Elkhart County.
Throughout his career, John has remained committed to one principle: the justice system must work effectively, fairly, and with integrity. He believes prosecutors have a responsibility to protect communities from crime while ensuring the law is applied without political influence and with respect for the values that form the foundation of America’s justice system.
As a candidate for St. Joseph County Prosecutor, John believes strengthening the partnership between prosecutors and law enforcement is essential. He wants to ensure officers receive the communication, support, and cooperation they need to do their jobs effectively. He also believes the prosecutor’s office should be more transparent with the public by regularly reporting case outcomes, trial results, and conviction rates.
John and his wife are proud to call St. Joseph County home. They have six children and two grandsons, and he values the community’s strong families, schools, churches, and neighborhoods. A member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, John believes Indiana remains a special place to raise a family and serve others.
With decades of military, legal, and prosecutorial experience, John Maciejczyk is ready to bring a lifetime of service, leadership, and integrity to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.
