United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III Names Larry Laurenzi As Civil Rights Unit Chief

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, has named veteran federal prosecutor and former acting United States Attorney Laurence J. Laurenzi as Civil Rights Unit Chief.

U.S. Attorney Stanton created the dedicated Civil Rights Unit in February 2011, in order to enhance the ability of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforce federal civil rights laws in the Western District of Tennessee. The Civil Rights Unit prosecutes the full spectrum of federal civil rights crimes, including official misconduct, law enforcement corruption, human trafficking, and hate crimes. In addition, fair housing, fair lending, Americans with Disability Act, and Uniform Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act cases continue to remain a priority of the district. The Civil Rights Unit has received national acclaim for its dedicated efforts, including prominent recognition from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice for its distinguished work in combatting human and sex trafficking.

Mr. Laurenzi is a career federal prosecutor and has handled a wide range of civil rights cases. He will serve as Unit Chief in addition to continuing his present duties as Executive Assistant United States Attorney. As Unit Chief, Mr. Laurenzi will lead the implementation of the Unit’s strategic priorities and manage relationships with key federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and community stakeholders.
“Larry Laurenzi has an esteemed track record of service to the Department of Justice and the Western District of Tennessee,” said United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. “I am confident that under his capable leadership, this District’s Civil Rights Unit will continue to work diligently to ensure that all Americans enjoy the rights and freedoms the Constitution guarantees them.”

Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Coleman and Jonathan Skrmetti, who have served in the Unit since its creation, will continue to complement the team.

Former Unit Chief Steve Parker has been assigned to a U.S. Department of Justice detail in New Orleans, Louisiana.