Julie B. Porter, Chief of the Criminal Division, to Depart U.S. Attorney’s Office After 12 Years

CHICAGO — Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie B. Porter, who supervised child exploitation investigations and prosecuted significant corporate fraud and public corruption cases, will depart the U.S. Attorney’s Office after 12 years of public service, Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.

Ms. Porter was a member of the prosecution team in the corporate fraud trial of Conrad Black and other executives of Hollinger International, once one of the world's largest media empires.  She participated in public corruption cases involving the city of Chicago’s hired truck program, as well as the federal investigation known as “Operation Board Games,” which led to the conviction of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

“Julie Porter has served the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois and the United States with tremendous distinction,” said Mr. Fardon.  “She has been a dynamic leader in our Office, mentoring new prosecutors and lending valuable insight and advice.  I want to thank Julie for her service, and I look forward to all that she will accomplish in the future.”

Ms. Porter joined the Office in 2004.  She most recently served as Chief of the Criminal Division, overseeing nearly 150 prosecutors.  Prior to that appointment, she was Chief of the office’s Financial Fraud Section and coordinator of the district’s Project Safe Childhood program. 

After her final day in the Office on Wednesday, Ms. Porter will open a private law practice in Chicago.

Mr. Fardon also announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes has been promoted to succeed Ms. Porter as Chief of the Criminal Division.  Mr. Hayes, a former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has held various leadership positions within the Office, most recently serving as Chief of the General Crimes Section.  Since joining the Office in 2003, he has prosecuted cases involving violent crimes, financial fraud, narcotics, tax violations and other major offenses.  He recently participated in the prosecution of Toby Jones and Kelsey Jones, Chicago brothers who conspired to murder a federal informant.  Toby Jones was sentenced earlier this year to 40 years in prison.  Kelsey Jones is awaiting sentencing.

“Brian Hayes is an experienced and skilled prosecutor,” said Mr. Fardon.  “He is the perfect fit to oversee our Criminal Division at such an important time in our district.”

Mr. Hayes’ first day as Chief of the Criminal Division will be Thursday.