United States Attorney James T. Jacks
Northern District of Texas

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txn/

ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY RICK CALVERT
RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

DALLAS — Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, of the Northern District of Texas (NDTX), was honored this morning when the Department of Justice held its 27th annual Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Awards Ceremony, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the NDTX. The 159 award recipients, who were recognized for their dedication in carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission, included Assistant U.S. Attorneys, law enforcement agents, litigation teams and others who have made outstanding contributions in federal, state and local law enforcement.

“These award recipients have been honored for their service and dedication to our country, as well as to their local communities,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Each of these committed public servants has helped to advance the Justice Department’s critical work. Their contributions have had a powerful impact in ensuring the strength of our justice system, the security of our communities, and the promise of our democracy."

“AUSA Calvert has a truly remarkable record of outstanding achievements in making contributions to the Department of Justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Jacks. “This award from the Director of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys is not only true recognition of Rick’s dedication to duty and professionalism, but his commitment to seeing that justice is served. He is an exemplary representative of our office and the Department of Justice.”

AUSA Calvert was recognized for his outstanding leadership, litigation skills, work ethic, organizational talents and dedication as an AUSA, exemplified in his ability to bring “Operation Southside” and “Operation Crazywater” to successful and safe conclusions. These ATF-initiated investigations began when agents learned of an organization that was using CRIP gang members and others to sell large quantities of crack cocaine and firearms from apartments, or “traps,” in southern Dallas. In September 2006, 26 members of this organization were charged in a 48-count indictment with a variety of drug and weapons offenses. Three additional defendants were indicted separately and eight others were charged with state offenses. Ten search warrants were executed that resulted in the seizure of large quantities of crack cocaine, vehicles, cash and 45 firearms. As a result of information obtained in the “Southside” investigation, “Operation Crazy Water” was initiated in 2008. This investigation targeted drug dealers using a “trap” across the street from a public middle school where individuals were selling large quantities of phencyclidine (PCP), marijuana and other drugs. In May 2008, an additional 16 defendants were named in a multi-count federal indictment, and five search warrants executed in June 2008 resulted in the seizure of gallon quantities of PCP, 26 firearms (including seven assault rifles), nine vehicles and $28,000 in drug proceeds. Defendants were sentenced to a total of 233 years.

AUSA Calvert’s extraordinary work has helped the Department of Justice continue its mission to enforce all of our nation’s laws, including prosecuting civil rights violations, gang violence and drug crimes, as well as representing our client agencies, conducting civil enforcement and assisting victims of crime.

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.usdoj.gov/usao.

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