The Western District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton will reorganize his office to create four sections within the Criminal Division: National Security; Civil Rights and Exploitation; Violent Crimes; and Fraud and Corruption.
David Hickton (DOJ)
The news was first reported by The Pittsburgh Tribune and WDUQ radio station.
Hickton, a co-founder Burns, White & Hickton LLC who was nominated in May by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in August, said the reorganization would emphasize the importance of national security cases, which he called “our (country’s) first priority.” The unit will also be responsible for computer crimes, terrorism and related criminal cases.
The Civil Rights section seeks to respond to the growing number of hate crimes, according to Hickton.
“It will send a message inside and outside this office, to the community at large, that we believe that civil rights violations and hate crimes are unacceptable…and that we intend to make it a priority to stop them,” Hickton declared.
In a statement, Hickton announced the leaders of the four units. Shaun E. Sweeney will oversee the Civil Rights and Exploitation Unit; Paul E. Hull will supervise the National Security Unit; Troy Rivetti will head the Violent Crimes Unit; and Robert S. Cessar will supervise the Fraud and Corruption Unit.
The reorganization also will create two new posts in the office, dealing with ethical and professional obligations. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Leo M. Dillon will serve as Deputy U.S. Attorney, and Robert L. Eberhardt will be Counsel for Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
The office’s operating budget shouldn’t be affected by these changes that will take effect on October 24th, Western Pennsylvania prosecutor added.
This post has been updated since it was first posted.
I’m glad to see a new U.S. Attorney after the previous incumbent. But let’s be clear about these musical chairs in a mid-sized USAO. The bottom line with a reorg like this is more AUSAs receiving supervisor pay and more parking spaces in the courthouse building.