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U.S. Attorney Steps Aside As Successor Is Named

Ann Thompson
/
WVXU
United States Attorney Ben Glassman

Benjamin Glassman, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, is formally announcing his resignation, effective 3 p.m. on Nov. 1.Glassman was appointed by Attorney General Loretta Lynch under the Obama administration in October 2016. He's being replaced by Trump appointee and assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District Dave DeVillers, whose appointment was announced in August.

In a letter announcing his resignation, Glassman lists out some of the notable cases under his term, including the nation's "first-ever indictment and extradition of an alleged Chinese intelligence officer for attempted economic espionage;" the prosecution and subsequent life sentence of a leader of the MS-13 gang; and the first federal carfentanil-trafficking case.

Glassman sought to take a hard line on opioids, including involvement in a federal opioid task force, and violations of federal civil rights laws.

Law enforcement around the region offered words of support on Glassman's behalf in his resignation letter. Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac says, "Under Attorney Glassman's leadership there have been several critical cases that have led to the successful prosecution of priority offenders who were causing significant harm to our community through gun violence and illicit drug trafficking."

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.