After six years in office, U.S. Attorney John Walsh – Colorado’s longest-serving federal prosecutor since the 1980s – is stepping down.
In a statement today, Walsh expressed respect for his colleagues and appreciation for his long stint as the chief federal law enforcement official in the state.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch lauding Walsh’s work in reaching a $7 billion settlement with Citibank for defrauding consumers – the largest settlement in the history of the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s office.
Walsh, whose duties include federal drug prosecution, has served in office as Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana. State law rubs against federal law, leaving him in somewhat of a legal and political gray area regarding pot. With some notable exceptions, his office has taken a hands-off approach on the issue.
It’s unclear whether the Obama administration will manage to win Senate approval to appoint a replacement by the time Obama leaves office in January, or whether Walsh’s successor be named by the next president.
Photo provided by U.S. Department of Justice
