Willoughby sworn in as new Etowah DA

District Attorney Jody Willoughby

There was a standing-room-only crowd Monday morning as Jody Willoughby took the oath of office as Etowah County district attorney.  Willoughby told those gathered he was ready to “hit the ground running.” He had been in the office about an hour before being sworn and was anxious to tackle the duties of the office. Willoughby’s was the only name given to the governor by the Etowah Republican Party Executive Committee as a potential appointee after Harp died last month.  He said the office will be evaluating how to handle the pending cases where he worked as a defense attorney before being recommended for the office. He said he doesn’t know how many cases that will involve at this point.