Attorney General Recognizes Two District of North Dakota Employees

ATTORNEY GENERAL RECOGNIZES DISTRICT EMPLOYEE(S)

WASHINGTON – Former First Assistant U. S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim and Supervisory Paralegal Lou Ann Lee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of North Dakota were 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 District of North Dakota was one of 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.”

In Washington, U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon said, "Lynn and Lou Ann represent a spirit of public service at the North Dakota United States Attorney's Office that is second to none. In their long and distinguished careers they have worked very hard, every day to seek justice for victims of crime and to keep our communities safe. We are very proud of both of them for receiving the U.S Attorney communities’ highest award."

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.”

Lynn C. Jordheim (District of North Dakota) is recognized for contributing for more than 26 years to the management and success of the United States Attorney’s office (USAO) for the District of North Dakota. He began his career prosecuting criminal and civil cases, and has served as a managing AUSA, Criminal Chief, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Acting United States Attorney. He has been a trusted resource for seven United States Attorneys. His ability to listen, analyze, and thoughtfully respond to issues are among his most distinguishing Characteristics and he recognizes that the success of the USAO depends on the safety and well-being of dedicated people who serve. His exceptional management during the statewide floods from 2009 to 2011, and later during unprecedented population growth in western North Dakota, is worthy of special recognition. Mr. Jordheim remains a champion, friend, mentor, and protector of all USAO staff.

Lou Ann Lee (District of North Dakota) is recognized for her crucial work on many major prosecutions over the last 25 years. In the district, she supervises all paralegals, masterfully manages discovery, conducts research and drafts documents, prepares charts, and handles the presentation of electronic evidence. Ms. Lee helped assemble and present more than 200 exhibits and 17 hours of videotape in a three-week trial regarding the gruesome murders of two young children. Immediately after that case, she organized and presented tens of thousands of pages of exhibits and created summary charts amassed from more than 56 electronic storage devices in a child pornography trial. The latter project occurred during the government shutdown when she was the only paralegal serving the entire office. Her superior performance in a litigative support role continues to inspire others and contributes greatly to the district’s success.

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.