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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING DEDICATED

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In appreciation for a distinguished career that has spanned almost five decades, the Justice Department today dedicated a building to John C. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Attorney for the Criminal Division.

Both Attorney General Janet Reno and Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder took part in the official ceremony at 130l New York Avenue, N.W.

"Throughout his career, Jack Keeney has distinguished himself through his dedication to the rule of law, the uncompromising excellence of his work, and his unwavering sense of ethical responsibility," said Attorney General Reno.

"Mr. Keeney is one of the most respected officials in the federal law enforcement community and has made an enduring imprint on the community and on the federal civil service itself," said Deputy Attorney General Holder.

Keeney, 78, joined the Department on March 19, 1951. His assignments have included serving as chief of the Smith Act Unit in Internal Security Division, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section, Chief of the Fraud Section and representative of the U.S. team which negotiated the mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters with Switzerland. On numerous occasions, Keeney has served as Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. In that capacity, he has served longer than most of the Assistant Attorneys General for the Criminal Division.

In 1996, Keeney received the Attorney General's Award, the highest award bestowed by the Attorney General, for his exceptional service. In 1990, he received the Criminal Division's highest award, the Henry E. Petersen Memorial Award, for his lasting contribution to the Division.

Mr. Keeney received his undergraduate degree at the University of Scranton in 1947. He received law degrees at Dickinson School of Law in 1949 and from the University of George Washington School of Law in 1953.

A resident of Kensington, Maryland, Mr. Keeney, was married to the late Eugenia Brislin and has five children and two grandchildren.

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