Newark Special Agent in Charge Announces Retirement

Michael B. Ward, Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced his retirement from government service, effective December 31, 2012, culminating a distinguished 24-year career with the FBI.

Mr. Ward has served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Office since March 2010. In his role, Mr. Ward has overseen many significant investigations, including the arrest of an international fugitive for over 41 years, George Wright; the arrest of the former owner and chief executive officer of Capitol Investment USA Inc., Nevin Shapiro; and the conviction of terrorism subjects Mohammed Hamoud Alessa and Carlos Eduardo Almonte for conspiring to murder individuals overseas on behalf of a foreign terrorist group operating in Somalia, among other high-impact FBI cases.

Mr. Ward entered on duty with the FBI in 1988 and served in several FBI field offices, along with several different assignments at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ward has received numerous awards and commendations during his career. Under his direction, the Newark Office has been recognized by numerous civic and community organizations for outstanding investigative accomplishments and service to the community. Mr. Ward will be rejoining his extended family in the southern United States after many years away from home. Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez will serve as Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Newark Office until a successor is named for Mr. Ward by FBI Headquarters.