Criminal Division
Criminal Chief - Michael Martin
Deputy Criminal Chief - Danielle Asher
Violent and Major Crimes Unit – Chief Craig Wininger
The Violent and Major Crimes Unit (VAM) is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of offenses involving violence and weapons, including firearms trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms, robbery, carjacking, violent threats, federal crimes against children, and sex trafficking. VAM also runs two important programs: Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) and Project Safe Childhood (PSC). PSN focuses on firearms reduction through enforcement and prevention, while PSC addresses the sexual exploitation of children by prosecuting child predators and educating parents, teachers, and children about internet safety.
Organized Crime Unit - Chief Thomas Franzinger
The Organized Crime Unit (ORG) prosecutes cases involving large-scale criminal organizations. ORG is particularly focused on investigating and prosecuting transnational drug organizations, cartels and distributors of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, among other dangerous drugs. In addition, the unit investigates and prosecutes the illegal diversion of prescription drugs and crimes related to crypto currency.
Homeland Security Unit - Chief Douglas Salzenstein
The Homeland Security Unit (HSU) investigates and prosecutes cases involving foreign and domestic terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism financing, espionage, export controls, theft of trade secrets, alien harboring and smuggling, immigration violations, and other offenses that impact national and border security.
Anti-Corruption Unit - Chief John Neal
The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigates and prosecutes bank fraud, mortgage fraud, Ponzi schemes, corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, arson for profit, credit fraud, intellectual property violations, federal procurement fraud, tax violations, bankruptcy fraud and identity theft. The ACU also prosecutes cases involving corruption by public officials.
Money Laundering and Asset Recovery - Chief Adriana Dydell
The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Unit (MLAR) seeks forfeiture of assets in both criminal and civil cases, collects debts owed to the government, enforces judgments and recovers restitution on behalf of crime victims. The MLAR also assists with money laundering prosecutions and provides litigation assistance in other significant cases being prosecuted within the office.