Portman, Brown Announce Recommendations for U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio

Press Release

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced their recommendations to President Trump for the positions of U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District of Ohio consists of the 40 northern counties in Ohio and has offices in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown. The President of the United States nominates U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals based on the Senators recommendations. Nominees must then be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate.

Portman and Brown will recommend the appointment of Justin Herdman for U.S. Attorney and the appointment of Peter (Pete) Elliott for U.S. Marshal in the Northern District of Ohio.

"Justin Herdman has the unique qualifications that are needed to lead as the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District," said Portman. "His legal, military, and public service background, combined with his skill set addressing complex legal issues, makes him a strong candidate for this position that will serve the citizens of Ohio well. If he is nominated and approved by the full Senate, I will look forward to working with him to address the heroin epidemic impacting our state, combat human trafficking, and stop violent crime in our communities."

"It's clear Justin Herdman is committed to both public service and to northern Ohio," said Brown. "From his work with Youngstown's 910th Airlift Wing, to tackling blight and addiction, and overseeing the consent decree in Cleveland, I'm certain he's prepared to take on the issues important to northern Ohioans. He has the experience we need and I'm pleased to offer my support for his nomination."

"Pete Elliott is the longest serving U.S. Marshal in Ohio's history for good reason," said Portman. "He has earned this recommendation through his tireless efforts to protect our community. His leadership can be seen throughout the entire U.S. Marshal Service through programs like his Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, which has arrested nearly 40,000 fugitives since it was founded in 2003, and which now includes more than 125 partner agencies and more than 350 law enforcement officers."

"Marshal Pete Elliott's long, accomplished career in law enforcement makes him uniquely qualified to carry out the law as our U.S. Marshal for the Northern District," said Brown. "He has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and I am glad that he will continue to serve as U.S. Marshal."

Justin Herdman:

Portman and Brown will recommend the appointment of Justin Herdman for U.S. Attorney. Mr. Herdman is a Partner at the Jones Day law firm in Cleveland, Ohio. He previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio. As a prosecutor, he litigated several terrorism cases and prosecuted highly complex matters. Mr. Herdman has also served as an assistant district attorney in New York City. He currently serves as a judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for Youngstown's 910th Airlift Wing. He received his law degree from Harvard Law School and his undergraduate degree from Ohio University. He currently teaches as an adjunct professor of law at Case Western Reserve University.

Peter (Pete) Elliott:

Portman and Brown will also recommend the appointment of Peter (Pete) Elliott for U.S. Marshal. Marshal Elliott is currently the U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. He is the longest serving United States Marshal in the history of Ohio. Marshal Elliott grew up in Lakewood, Ohio and graduated from St. Edward High School and then Capital University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He is a third generation law enforcement officer and his law enforcement career has spanned more than 32 years. He worked undercover narcotics then followed in his father's footsteps to become a Deputy United States Marshal. He later became an ATF Agent investigating terrorism, firearms and explosives cases. Marshal Elliott has been recognized both locally and nationally, with numerous national and local awards for his work, including the "Distinguished Service Medal" from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

Background:

In the interest of identifying the best possible candidates for Ohio's U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals, Portman established diverse Screening Committees of law enforcement, legal, and community leaders to review applications and interview candidates interested in serving. The Screening Committees reviewed candidate qualifications and submissions, conducted meetings and interviews, deliberated, and recommended candidates for these vacancies.

The U.S. Attorney Screening Committee members included: Denise Robinson, CEO, Alvis House; Captain Mike Crites, Partner, Dinsmore; Craig Morford, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Cardinal Health; Donna Alvarado, Founder and Managing Partner, Aguila International; Diane Brey, Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, Office of Gov. John Kasich; Stuart Dornette, Partner, Taft Stettinius, Hollister; Scott Kane, Partner, Squire Sanders; Tim Cosgrove, Partner, Squire Sanders; and Tom Wagner, Retired Co-Chairman, Calfee.

The U.S. Marshal Screening Committee members included: Jay McDonald, President, Ohio Fraternal Order of Police; Eve Stratton, Former Ohio Justice, Ohio Supreme Court; Mark Wasylyshyn, President, Buckeye Sheriffs Association; James Ervin, Compliance and Ethics Counsel, L Brands; Jeffrey Mitchell, President, Police Chief Association of Ohio and Chief of Police, the City of Lebanon; and Frank Williams, President, FOP Lodge #7, and Sergeant, City of Akron.

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