News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
June 5, 2012
U.S. Attorney Names Career Prosecutor Senior Litigation Counsel for the District of Rhode Island
Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland replaces Andrew J. Reich
who retired after 37 years with the Department of Justice
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha has announced the appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland as Senior Litigation Counsel for the District of Rhode Island. Mr. Ferland, who joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office on May 1, 2010, after 20 years as a top state prosecutor, replaces former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Reich who retired on June 1, 2012, after 37 years with the Department of Justice.
As Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC), Mr. Ferland, a member of the United States Attorney’s Senior Management Team, is charged with dealing with some of the most difficult and complex legal matters under the direct supervision of the United States Attorney. Mr. Ferland is responsible for organizing, preparing and directing complex, and at times novel, investigations and proceedings leading to litigation. The SLC is often consulted for advice by supervisors and prosecutors of the Office’s legal divisions. The SLC is also responsible for developing and implementing litigation-oriented training programs.
“I have been relying on Mr. Ferland’s sound judgment and invariably excellent advice for over fifteen years. Since joining this Office, he has been responsible for some of our most significant and complex investigations and he has handled them brilliantly. He has my full confidence, and I can think of no one better suited to take up the mantle of Senior Litigation Counsel.”
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ferland, a former patrolman, detective and police sergeant in East Greenwich from 1982-1990, served in numerous capacities as a R.I. Assistant Attorney General, including Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, and Chief of the Welfare Fraud Unit. He also served as Senior Trial Counsel, coordinating and overseeing the investigation and prosecution of high profile felony matters.
Mr. Ferland graduated magna cum laude from Rhode Island College in May 1982. He earned his Juris Doctor and graduated magna cum laude from New England School of Law in 1989.
Mr. Ferland has served as an adjunct faculty member at Roger Williams University Metropolitan College and the Community College of Rhode Island providing instruction in criminal law. He has also served as an instructor at the Rhode Island Police Training Academy.
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Contact: 401-709-5357
USARI.Media@usdoj.gov
