ABOUT MARIO
 

 

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​Biography

 

At an early age, Mario became involved with service organizations like Kiwanis International and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which he remains involved in today. After graduating High School, he obtained bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Chicano Studies from UC Berkeley (1986-1990). Mario actively participated in MEChA, the Raza Recruitment and Retention Center, and held positions in student government. At Berkeley, he immersed himself in political and social justice movements that shaped his outlook. He realized that his achievements were not solely due to his efforts but also owed to the struggles of those who paved the way for future generations.

 

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​Sucessful Careers

 

After relocating to Downey in June 1990, Mario taught elementary school in South Central Los Angeles until 1996. This experience underscored the vital role of community involvement in educating young individuals. While teaching during the day, Mario pursued his law degree at Southwestern University School of Law in the evenings. He excelled as a Moot Court Honors student and obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1995, subsequently becoming a member of the California State Bar in 1996.

 

Transitioning to a new role, on August 1, 1996, Mario assumed the position of Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney. He worked as a prosecutor primarily in the South East region of Los Angeles County, handling cases in courthouses located in Whittier, Compton, Bellflower, and Norwalk. His final trial responsibilities were in the Hard-Core Gang Division, where he prosecuted numerous challenging gang-related murder cases within the county.

 

In his initial year within the division, Mario led the unit in trial prosecutions. He worked as a felony prosecutor in the Victim Impact Program, managing emotionally intense cases involving child abuse, sexual offenses, and domestic violence. Mario's extensive trial experience encompasses 115 jury trials, comprising 85 felonies and 30 misdemeanors, with 22 involving murder cases. His remarkable 95% conviction rate reflects his unwavering commitment and diligence in pursuing justice.

 

From 2010 to 2012, Mario held the position of Deputy in Charge at the District Attorney's Bellflower office, overseeing daily operations and managing attorneys and support personnel. Prior to his supervisory role, he worked in administration as a Special Assistant to the Directors of Branch and Area Operations. After a distinguished 25-year career as a Deputy DA, Mario retired from the District Attorney's office in October 2021. In his final role, he directly reported to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, serving as his Government and Community Affairs Liaison.

 

 

A Legacy of Service & Progress​

 

Mario's dedication to serving others is evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations. Since 2000, he has been a board member of the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LACADA), which offers mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment services countywide. Mario has held leadership roles in the Downey Kiwanis Club, served as a Downey Recreation and Community Services Commissioner, and been active in the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA). Additionally, he previously taught at Southwestern Law School and engaged with local school councils and community organizations. Mario is a licensed California Real Estate Broker and a successful small business owner in Downey, embodying his commitment to both public service and entrepreneurship.

 

Mario considers his most cherished role to be that of an engaged father raising three children in Downey. He instills in them the principles of Character Counts and the significance of community engagement. Mario is committed to passing down to his children the same values his mother imparted to him: the notion that community is an extension of family, the significance of respect, love for their city, and a deep appreciation for their country. Mario is married to Henry Ceja Trujillo, a licensed Nurse Practitioner with expertise in Psychiatry.

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