WASHINGTON, D.C.- 28 September – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales today appointed Michael J. Garcia, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Susan W. Brooks, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys. He also named Debra Wong Yang, United States Attorney for the Central District of California, as Chair of the Advisory Committee’s new Subcommittee on Cyber Crime and Intellectual Property.
“The Advisory Committee provides me with sound advice and assists in the making of Department policy. I will continue to work closely with the Committee to advance our priorities of protecting our nation against terrorism; combating violent crime, including crimes committed with guns and crimes carried out by gangs; reducing the incidence of illegal drugs, especially methamphetamine; and deterring crimes that coarsen our culture, like human trafficking, child pornography, and obscenity,” said Attorney General Gonzales. “With the rise in cyber and intellectual property crimes, it was crucial to create this new subcommittee to provide greater focus in these important areas.”
The new subcommittee will provide guidance on issues related to fighting high-technology and Internet crimes and intellectual property offenses, examine the Department’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) program, and develop methods and strategies to increase its effectiveness. The subcommittee will also examine ways to increase the Department’s overall ability to address high-technology issues, such as computer forensics and analysis and obtaining electronic evidence in the digital age.
Debra Wong Yang served as Chair of the Advisory Committee’s Civil Rights Subcommittee and currently serves as a member of the White Collar Crime, Environmental Issues, and Terrorism and National Security Subcommittees, and the Health Care Fraud Working Group.
“Deb Yang brings a wealth of experience to the task of leading the Cyber Crime and Intellectual Property subcommittee,” said Attorney General Gonzales.
In appointing Michael Garcia and Susan Brooks to the Advisory Committee, Attorney General Gonzales said, “Both of these individuals are tough federal prosecutors, and their knowledge and expertise will be an invaluable contribution to the Advisory Committee.”
Mike Garcia was sworn in as the Presidentially-appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York on September 6, 2005. Prior to his appointment, he served as Assistant Secretary, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security (2002-2005); Acting Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice (2002-2003); Assistant Secretary, Export Enforcement, Department of Commerce (2001-2002); Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of New York (1992-2001); Law Clerk for Judge Judith S. Kaye, New York State Court of Appeals (1990-1992); and an Associate with Cahill, Gordon & Reindel (1989-1990).
Susan Brooks served as an Advisory Committee member from 2002-2004. She chaired the Advisory Committee’s LECC/Victim-Witness-Community Issues Subcommittee from 2002-2005 and currently serves as a member of that subcommittee. She is also Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee’s Office of Management and Budget Subcommittee and serves on the Civil Rights Subcommittee. Ms. Brooks was Presidentially-appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana on October 17, 2001. She previously served as Of Counsel with Ice Miller Law Firm of Indianapolis (2000-2001); Deputy Mayor, City of Indianapolis (1998-1999); and Attorney/Partner with McClure, McClure & Kammen of Indiana (1985-1997).
Attorney General Gonzales also made the following appointments:
* David E. Nahmias, United States Attorney, Northern District of Georgia, has been named Chair of the Advisory Committee’s Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee;
* Paul I. Perez, United States Attorney, Middle District of Florida, has been named Chair of the Advisory Committee’s Civil Rights Subcommittee;
* John C. Richter, United States Attorney, Western District of Oklahoma, has been named Chair of the Advisory Committee’s Sentencing Subcommittee; and
* Glenn T. Suddaby, United States Attorney, Northern District of New York, has been named Vice Chair of the Border/Immigration Law Enforcement Subcommittee.
The Advisory Committee plays a vital role in furthering the Department’s law enforcement efforts and gives U.S. Attorneys a key voice in Department policy. Together in partnership with state, local and federal authorities, the Advisory Committee is crucial in advancing the Department’s efforts to battle terrorism and prosecute corporate fraud, as well as continue its law enforcement mission in areas such as civil rights, violent crime, and immigration.
