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Two Anchorage Municipal Prosecutors Recognized at Annual U.S. Department of Justice Awards Ceremony

U.S. Attorney’s Office December 04, 2009
  • District of Alaska (907) 271-5071

WASHINGTON—The Department of Justice held its 26th annual Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Awards Ceremony today, during which 146 award recipients from more than 30 districts were recognized for their dedication to carrying out the Department of Justice’s mission. Recipients included Assistant United States Attorneys, law enforcement agents, litigation teams, and others who have made outstanding contributions in federal, state, and local law enforcement. The award recipients from the District of Alaska were Erin E. White and Christine M. Thoreson, each receiving the Award for Superior Performance as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.

“These award recipients have been honored for their service and commitment to our country, as well as to their local communities,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Each of these dedicated servants has carried out the important mission of the Department of Justice. Their accomplishments have advanced the interests of justice on behalf of the American people.”

United States Attorney Karen Loeffler stated, “We are very proud of the important work done by Ms. Thoreson and Ms. White and our partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage in our joint fight to combat gang violence in our community.”

Ms. Thoreson and Ms. White received their award for their work combating recent problems in gang violence occurring in Anchorage. Both Ms. Thoreson and Ms. White work closely with the Safe Streets Task Force, made up of law enforcement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Anchorage Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In the past year and a half, Special AUSAs Thoreson and White have indicted and convicted approximately 70 suspected gang members, many of whom were targeted after committing acts of violence within Anchorage, such as drive-by shootings and assaults. These individuals have been sentenced collectively to over 375 years in prison. As a result of their work and the unique partnership between the Municipality of Anchorage and the Department of Justice, the number of incidents of gang-related violence has significantly decreased and the Anchorage community has become a safer place to live and work.

Their extraordinary work has helped the Department of Justice to continue its mission to enforce all of our nation’s laws, including prosecuting gang violence and drug crimes, as well as representing our client agencies, and assisting victims of crime.

The Executive Office for United States Attorneys 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.usdoj.gov/usao.

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