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New District Attorney speaks about challenges he'll face following Jacob Anderson case

Barry Johnson said he admits that the job will not be easy, but he's optimistic that he will get things on track. Johnson will be sworn in at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2019, at Baylor Law School.

WACO, Texas — A case where a former Baylor university fraternity president got no jail time, after initially being charged with rape, has caused people around the country to focus on the justice system in Waco.

In three weeks, McLennan County will be getting a new District Attorney, who said he is stepping into waters even more tumultuous than he first imagined.

Barry Johnson said he admits that the job will not be easy, but he's optimistic that he will get things on track.

Johnson said with the recent fallout from the Jacob Anderson case, there's going to be a lot of eyes watching his every move.

RELATED: UT Dallas says Jacob Anderson will no longer be allowed on campus

RELATED: Petitioners demand Judge Ralph Strother's resignation after accepting Jacob Anderson plea

He said there will be a lot weighing on him once he steps in office, but that is a part of the job. He said once he starts in January, he'll implement new policies in hopes of making the District Attorney’s office run more smoothly.

Johnson said he wants to tweak the intake system and analyze cases more closely and upfront when they first come in the door.

He said there are still 24 Twin Peaks cases that he hopes to settle in trial, with possible plea-bargains.

Johnson said the U.S. justice system is the best in the world, but it is not perfect.

RELATED: Legal expert: Why Jacob Anderson didn't go to trial

“There's been a lot of folks watching what’s been going on here lately in McLennan County,” Johnson said. “You have to have faith in our justice system, that when you put those cases in there, that those in the District Attorney office, law enforcement, judges and our system will work for everybody. Fairness and justice for all is what we all seek, and that’s what I intend to do when I take office in January."

Johnson's first hire was Bell County prosecutor Nelson Barnes. Barnes will be the new first assistant and has close to 30 years of experience.

Johnson and Barnes will be sworn in at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2019, at Baylor Law School.

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