Western District Of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Speaks At Local College

Lafayette/Alexandria/Lake Charles, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley recently visited local colleges within the Western District of Louisiana. On April 9, 2013, U.S. Attorney Finley spoke to the Criminal Justice Society at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Louisiana College Criminal Law Class on April 16, 2013, and the Juvenile Delinquency Class at McNeese State University on April 18, 2013.

Finley spoke to the students about her job as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana and explained the daily work that she and her staff undertake in overseeing the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States. U.S. Attorney Finley discussed with the students what is involved in prosecuting criminal activity to include terrorism, public corruption, complex white collar crime, investment schemes, organized crime and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling and representing the United States in civil actions.

During her visits, the Louisiana educated U.S. Attorney encouraged students to reach for the stars, but also cautioned them about the pitfalls that prevent young people from reaching their goals, to include social media and allowing others to negatively influence their lives. Finley told the students that hard work and good grades are the best preparation for success, and she reminded them that they are the future of our nation.

“I am honored to be invited by the faculty of these universities to speak to their students,” Finley said. “I have been extremely blessed. My life has been filled with great teachers, mentors, and wonderful parents. Now, I’ve got to pay it forward because the future leaders of our country are in those classrooms. Some of these kids just need a nudge; they just need some encouragement to know that the achievement of their dreams can happen. This is just a little something that I can do to assist in that process.”

For more information on the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.