Divisions
Criminal
The
Criminal Division is responsible for the prosecution of federal
criminal matters in Ohio's 48 southern counties. Almost all
federal criminal offenses are prosecuted by the Division's
40 talented, energetic and dedicated AUSAs. Expertise
has been developed in the full array of substantive federal
areas including narcotics, white collar crime including corporate
fraud, cyber-crime, violent crime, regulatory offenses, and
tax enforcement. A national expert on money laundering and
asset forfeiture operates out of our Cincinnati office.
In response to the September 2001 terrorist
attacks, the Division has dedicated substantial resources
to the prevention of terrorism and the prosecution of any
terrorism related cases including funding of terrorist organizations.
Counsel and an intelligence analyst are working closely with
the FBI led Joint Terrorism Task Forces and the U.S. Attorney
led Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council. In this manner,
federal, state and local law enforcement are working together
to fight terrorism and share pertinent information.
The Division is organized by city. The largest office is in
Columbus, which is the state capital and home of The Ohio
State University. Since the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals sits
in Cincinnati, the appellate coordinator for the District
works out of the Cincinnati office. Wright Patterson Air Force
Base, where more federal funds are expended than at any other
installation, is serviced by counsel from the Dayton office.
An energetic federal magistrate's program and a defense fraud
prevention program both operate from the Dayton office through
partnership with Air Force Judge Advocates and civilian counsel
sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs).
SAUSAs from other federal agencies and local jurisdictions
assist throughout the Division both for specific programs
(such as the Environmental
and Health Care Task Forces) and on ad hoc basis.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement
Task Force (OCDETF)
The Division has seven attorneys working in the national anti-drug
program known as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task
Force (OCDETF). OCDETF attorneys attempt to target and dismantle
national and international drug trafficking organizations
which operate in or through the Southern District of Ohio.
Our attorneys work on multi-jurisdictional cases with federal,
local and state law enforcement in a coordinated effort against
major traffickers. This includes a heavy emphasis on tracking,
seizing and forfeiting illegal contraband and drug proceeds.
The work of line AUSAs is supported by a criminal supervisor in each city, as well as a first-rate support staff of paralegals, and legal and technical specialists. Each city has a victim/witness coordinator whose responsibilities entail supporting victims of crime and assisting in witness production for trials and hearings. Public questions about the Division can be directed to the supervisors. A duty attorney for each city provides around the clock availability to law enforcement, court and Justice Department personnel.