Attorney General Recognizes District Employee

WASHINGTON – Amy Ray, Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Appellate Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.

The Western District of North Carolina was one of the 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.

In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer. Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.”

EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”

AUSA Ray was recognized for her outstanding appellate advocacy in United States v. Simmons, a significant appellate decision that impacted hundreds of federal criminal cases. She also is recognized for her leadership in advising other districts and in working with the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and the Solicitor General’s office in determining the Department’s positions on the many legal issues that arose as a result of Simmons. AUSA Ray handled not only the Simmons appeal, but also two other Simmons-related appeals, United States v. Powell and United States v. Miller. Both Powell and Miller were significant appeals for which numerous cases were held in abeyance. AUSA Ray has not only been outstanding in her advocacy on behalf of the Department in the wake of Simmons, but she has become a national expert at the United States Attorney’s office level on Simmons and its consequences.

Ms. Ray received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Virginia and her law degree from Florida State University. She is originally from Mount Dora, Florida.

“Amy Ray is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award. The award recognizes her exemplary work and outstanding achievements as an appellate lawyer. Amy is a talented Assistant United States Attorney, a committed public servant, and is dedicated to furthering the mission of the Department of Justice in enforcing the laws of our nation and protecting the rights of our citizens,” said Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.