CIVIL DIVISION

Edward A. Olsen, Chief

The Civil Division litigates all civil cases for and against the United States, its agencies, and officers.  The division has three units, all of which include personnel in both Sacramento and Fresno.

Defensive Litigation Unit  

Brodie M. Butland, Unit Chief

The Defense Litigation Unit defends the United States, federal agencies, and federal employees in all manner of lawsuits, including employment-discrimination actions; medical malpractice, personal injury, and other tort actions; Administrative Procedure Act cases; challenges to land management decisions under the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes; Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs; and “Bivens” civil rights actions.  In addition, the unit represents the United States in “condemnation” actions to ascertain just compensation when private property is taken for public use.

Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit

David E. Thiess, Unit Chief

The Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit brings enforcement actions for violation of federal statutes  and tort actions  for destruction of public resources.  Enforcement actions include financial fraud, health care fraud, procurement fraud, and grant fraud, including “qui tam” whistle-blower cases; fair housing, disability rights, and other civil rights violations; and Controlled Substances Act violations.  Tort actions focus on negligent destruction of national park and national forest resources, and provide for recovery of suppression costs, compensation for lost commercial timber value and environmental damages, and costs of restoring burned forest land for public enjoyment.

Asset Recovery Unit

Lynn Trinka Ernce, Unit Chief

The Asset Recovery Unit is responsible for forfeiture of the proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes, primarily for the benefit of victims; enforcement of judgments, including restitution for victims of crime; collection of debts owed the United States; and protection of the interests of the United States in bankruptcy proceedings.