1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist

 

August 11, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ihlenfeld Sworn In As United States Attorney

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — William J. Ihlenfeld, II, was sworn in today as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia by Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. United States Attorney Ihlenfeld was nominated by President Barack Obama on May 27, 2010, and confirmed by the United States Senate on August 5, 2010.

USA Ihlenfeld had these comments regarding his new position:

"I am honored by the opportunity that President Obama has given to me to lead the Office of the United States Attorney, and I look forward to prosecuting the most difficult and the most sophisticated cases during my term in office. During the past 13 years I have served the northern panhandle as a state prosecutor, and I am pleased that I will now be able to serve the entire northern district of West Virginia as its United States Attorney.”

“The prosecution of drug dealers and sex offenders will be a priority of my office, along with a focus on financial crimes and workplace safety. I will work to cultivate relationships with state and local law enforcement agencies, as they are the backbone of the criminal justice system.”

"I am extremely fortunate to inherit a talented and hard-working staff of women and
men who are dedicated to keeping our area safe and who will make my transition into the office a smooth one.”

Prior to his appointment USA Ihlenfeld served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Brooke County, West Virginia, handling serious felony matters. USA Ihlenfeld also served for ten years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ohio County, West Virginia. During his tenure in Ohio County, he served as the Chief Assistant Prosecutor and was a member of the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. USA Ihlenfeld has successfully prosecuted hundreds of felony cases during his career, and he has argued before the West Virginia Supreme Court on eight occasions. As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, USA Ihlenfeld was honored by the Drug Enforcement Administration for his outstanding contributions in the field of drug law enforcement and served on the West Virginia Supreme Court’s committee for the creation of model criminal jury instructions.

USA Ihlenfeld has also served as a partner at the firm of Ihlenfeld Law Office, PLLC, in Wheeling since 1997, where he practiced law with his father, William J. Ihlenfeld, Sr.

A graduate of Ohio University and the West Virginia University College of Law, USA Ihlenfeld is active in the community having served as a member of the Ohio County Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan Committee; Vice-Chairman of the Seeing Hand Association, Inc.; as a volunteer with Legal Aid of West Virginia; and as a youth sports coach.

USA Ihlenfeld resides in Wheeling with his wife and children.

A formal swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled in the near future.