U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed Richard P. Donoghue to serve as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York ("EDNY"). Mr. Donoghue, who replaces acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Rhode, was an Assistant U.S. Attorney ("AUSA") in the EDNY for 11 years, serving as head of the Long Island Branch office and as Chief of its Criminal Division. While an AUSA, he prosecuted one of the nation's first successful cases against MS-13, the notorious Salvadoran gang. After leaving the EDNY, Mr. Donoghue worked in-house at CA Technologies, where he was most recently Chief Litigation Counsel. Ms. Rhode will return to her role as Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey S. Berman appointed Robert S. Khuzami as Deputy U.S. Attorney. Most recently a partner with Kirkland and Ellis, Mr. Khuzami previously served as the Director of Enforcement at the SEC from 2009 to 2013. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as an AUSA in the SDNY.
Commentary / Jodi Avergun
Richard was an outstanding prosecutor who earned the respect and loyalty of the career prosecutors in the office, the EDNY bench and the defense bar. Richard's experience prosecuting violent crime cases makes it likely that he will make reduction of gang violence a top priority. He is also likely to continue the office's focus on white collar crime and corruption. His time in-house at CA Technologies will bring a welcome pragmatism to his prosecutorial decision making.
Commentary / Todd Blanche
Rob is an experienced prosecutor and leader and will be an immediate asset to U.S. Attorney Berman. His background as a prosecutor combined with his work as Director of Enforcement at the SEC gives him unique insight and perspective for the job as Deputy U.S. Attorney.
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