FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1999

(202) 616-2777

WWW.USDOJ.GOV

TDD (202) 514-1888

GEORGE R. HAVENS APPOINTED
ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, DC -- Attorney General Janet Reno today announced the appointment of George R. Havens as the Acting Director of the United States Marshals Service. Former Director Eduardo Gonzalez retired from the position on June 19, 1999.

Havens, 56, who is known as Ray, has served as the Deputy Director of the Marshals Service since February 25, 1994. As Deputy Director of the Marshals Service, Havens had supervisory responsibility for the 94 United States Marshals and their districts, as well as the operational divisions of the agency.

Throughout his 33 year career, Ray Havens has exemplified the best that American law enforcement has to offer, said Reno. I am proud to appoint him as the Acting Director of the Marshals Service, and am confident that he will bring the same high degree of professionalism to this role as he has to all his previous assignments.

A native of Miami, Florida, Havens worked in Florida law enforcement agencies for 28 years prior to his joining the Department of Justice in 1993 as a Special Assistant for Law Enforcement on the staff of Attorney General Reno.

His Florida experience included service as the Chief Investigator for the State Attorneys Office, 11^th Judicial Circuit of Florida, from 1980 to 1993. Prior to that position, Havens served 15 years with the Metro-Dade County Police Department in Miami, Florida, including 10 years as Commander of the Tactical Investigations Division and the Airport/Seaport Task Force.

During his career, Havens has testified before numerous local, state, and federal committees investigating narcotics, labor racketeering and organized crime. His professional law enforcement affiliations include membership in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum, the National Sheriffs Association, and past president of the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in Police Administration from Florida International University. He is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and the FBI National Executive Institute.

He has been recognized for outstanding law enforcement service through such awards as the Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the Florida Grand Jury Association Citizen of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award for International Law Enforcement Liaison.

Havens will serve as Acting Director until a new Director is confirmed by the Senate and appointed by the President.

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