YOUNGSTOWN - A local prosecutor has announced her candidacy for Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge.

Anissa Modarelli, who currently serves as the prosecutor in Judge John Durkin's courtroom, has announced that she will be running for judge after Judge Durkin announced that he would not be seeking reelection.

Modarelli filed her petitions on November 24 and is set to host her first campaign fundraiser on Monday, January 5 at Combine Brothers in Boardman from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the campaign event can be purchased at the door.

Modarelli spent three years attending Capital University Law School in Columbus, where she earned her Juris Doctor. Before that, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University after graduating from Boardman High School.

Modarelli has practiced law for more than 30 years and served as an assistant prosecutor in Mahoning County for over 25 years. Her cases range from misdemeanors to homicides to sex offenses.

She is a recipient of the Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association's Award for Investigative Excellence.

"My devotion and dedication to the Mahoning County Drug Court is the driving force behind my run for the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. I hope to continue the success of the Drug Court by honoring Judge Durkin's hard work and legacy," Modarelli said.

Modarelli has plenty of volunteer work under her belt, including serving as a former Executive Board Member for Canfield Little Cardinals and Canfield Middle School Lacrosse. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member for Canfield High School Tennis and Canfield High School Lacrosse.

She also volunteers with Canfield High School Choirs and Canfield Drama.