Two Assistant United States Attorneys Receive The Attorney General's Award For Distinguished Service

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Attorney General Loretta Lynch presented 279 Justice Department employees and 33 individuals, including two Assistant United States Attorneys in the Western District of North Carolina, with Attorney General Awards at a ceremony held today in Washington, D.C.  These annual awards recognize department employees and other individuals for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission.  

“The individuals being honored today stand out within a department that holds all of its employees and partners to an extremely high standard of excellence,” said Attorney General Lynch.  “They have put in long hours, made immense sacrifices, and, in some cases, placed themselves in harm’s way.  They have taken on issues that once seemed intractable, and made progress on problems that once seemed impossible.  And their outstanding work is an inspiration to public servants everywhere.”

The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service is the Justice Department’s second-highest award for employee performance.  The recipients of this award exemplify the highest commitment to the department’s mission.  Twelve Distinguished Service Awards were presented this year to individuals or teams of people.  Two of those recipients are Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Western District of North Carolina, Mark T. Odulio and Daniel S. Ryan.

“Today, Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan were recognized for their exemplary work in advancing the critical mission of the Justice Department.This prestigious award symbolizes their skills as lawyers and their dedication as public servants to the pursuit of justice.Their work exemplifies our ongoing commitment to uphold the rule of law and to deliver justice to the people in our district,” said U.S. Attorney Rose.

Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan received the award for their exceptional service and outstanding legal work in connection with the Department of Justice’s record breaking $16.65 billion settlement with Bank of America (the Bank), concerning the Bank’s origination and securitization of residential mortgages.AUSAs Odulio and Ryan spearheaded the Western District’s investigation of the Bank as part of the broader efforts of the Attorney General’s Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) Working Group. Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Justice Department components and state officials across the United States to complete the investigation of the Bank’s fraudulent conduct which resulted in investors suffering millions of dollars in losses.The dedicated efforts of Mr. Odulio, Mr. Ryan and the RMBS Working Group ensured that Bank of America was held accountable for its fraudulent conduct, substantial compensation was provided for federal entities supported by American taxpayers, and impacted homeowners received much-needed financial relief.

AUSAs Odulio and Ryan handle complex financial fraud matters investigated and litigated in the Western District.In that capacity, Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan develop leads, direct investigations, and prosecute cases in federal court on behalf of the United States, both civilly and criminally.In performing their duties, AUSAs Odulio and Ryan work closely with federal and state law enforcement partners and numerous regulatory and administrative agencies.

Mr. Odulio received both his undergraduate and JD degrees from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Ryan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his JD from Harvard School of Law.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Rose thanked Mr. Odulio and Mr. Ryan for their tireless dedication to fulfilling the Justice Department’s mission and noted that it is an honor and a privilege to recognize them both for their accomplishments and public service.