Attorney General Recognizes Beaumont Lead Prosecutor

         WASHINGTON – Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas was one of 243 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony on Sep. 10, 2014 in Washington D.C.

The Eastern District of Texas was one of 44 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.

In his prepared remarks to awardees, Attorney General Holder said, “Locally, nationally, and internationally, you represent the very best that this Department has to offer.  Your work embodies our ongoing commitment – not merely to win cases, but to do justice; to protect our fellow citizens from crime, violence, and terrorism; to empower the most vulnerable among us; and to uphold the rule of law.” 

EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson echoed those sentiments, saying to the recipients, “You have persevered, and remained focused and motivated – achieving remarkable results in work that makes a difference in the lives of citizens across our great country. The vast scope of your collective accomplishments is nothing short of exceptional.”

Matthew C. Quinn was recognized for his outstanding contributions in leading the formation of the office in Texarkana, Arkansas, while he was an AUSA for the Western District of Arkansas. AUSA Quinn volunteered to be the first AUSA in the newly formed office, where he worked to build relationships with federal agents and local officers throughout approximately 20 counties. He was central to a new partnership between United States Attorneys’ offices for the Eastern District of Texas and Western District of Arkansas who share the Texarkana office. In addition, AUSA Quinn’s efforts have led to large drug-trafficking investigations and prosecutions including Operation Stateline Sweep, Operation Crystal Clear, Operation Street Sweeper, and Operation Ice Pick. His caseload and tireless leadership in the southern part of the district have had an enormous impact on the furtherance of justice in this previously underserved area.  AUSA Quinn left the Western District of Arkansas in June 2014 and joined the Eastern District of Texas as the Attorney in Charge of the Beaumont office.

            “Matt Quinn’s accomplishments as an AUSA in Texarkana are the stuff of legend,” said U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.  “He started the work from scratch and four years later, dozens of dangerous criminals were justly incarcerated and federal, state and local law enforcement had effectively coalesced around Matt’s leadership.  I have no doubt that Matt will accomplish similarly great things in the Golden Triangle for the people of the Eastern District of Texas.”

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.