Attorney General Recognizes Federal Prosecutor from Utah at Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

            WASHINGTON, D.C. – An Assistant U.S. Attorney from Utah was one of 243 employees of the U.S. Department of Justice recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Wednesday morning.

           Andrew Choate, who worked full-time as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2010 through June of this year while employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, received an award for Superior Performance as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at the 30th annual Director’s Awards Ceremony.

           The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah was one of 44 offices from around the nation 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.”

           Choate is the coordinator of the Immigration Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The office prosecutes hundreds of cases each year involving illegal aliens who have re-entered the United States after previous deportations and have been involved in new criminal conduct. Choate also coordinates efforts in the office to partner with local agencies in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases.

           In June of this year, Choate was hired by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He will continue working in the same general areas of immigration and human trafficking while taking on other issues as a member of the office’s National Security Section.

           “During his tenure as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Choate demonstrated his commitment to protecting Utah communities from violent criminals, worked with vulnerable victims of human trafficking cases, and has been willing to take on any other pressing needs in the office. He became a valuable, productive member of our office during his term as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and we are pleased that his hard work has been recognized by the Department of Justice,” Acting U.S. Attorney Carlie Christensen said today.

           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.