Former ethics officer for Kim Foxx poised to become Chicago’s US attorney.
Former Ethics Officer April Perry Nominated for U.S. Attorney in Chicago
April Perry, the former chief ethics officer to Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, is poised to become the next U.S. attorney in Chicago. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance her nomination on Thursday, bringing her one step closer to taking over from former U.S. Attorney John Lausch.
Perry’s nomination, announced by President Joe Biden three months ago, was supported by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. The screening committee, with the backing of these senators, selected Perry as one of the two finalists.
“We are pleased that the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the nomination of April Perry to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois,” Durbin and Duckworth said in a statement released Thursday. “She was highly regarded by our screening committee and brings strong qualifications and a wealth of experience from her time in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in the private sector to the position.”
Prior to her nomination, Perry spent 12 years as a federal prosecutor in Chicago. If approved by the entire Senate, she will have the opportunity to lead the criminal justice system in a city grappling with rising crime rates and homelessness.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago is known for its heavy caseload, handling a wide range of cases including terrorism, gang conspiracies, financial fraud, and political corruption. With approximately 300 employees, including 130 prosecutors and a team of civil case attorneys, the office plays a crucial role in upholding justice in the region.
Perry’s previous roles include serving as a coordinator for programs focused on violence against women, civil rights, and hate crimes. She also held positions as the chief ethics officer and chief deputy state attorney under Foxx from 2017 to 2019. However, she left Foxx’s administration amidst criticism over the dismissal of charges against actor Jussie Smollett.
Foxx, who is not seeking reelection, has faced backlash for her perceived leniency in prosecuting high-profile cases. Members of her own administration have criticized her for changing the approach of the state’s attorney’s office.
Perry’s nomination process may take several weeks, during which Morris Pasqual will serve as the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Lausch, whose career was marked by notable investigations, was initially appointed to investigate classified documents found at Biden’s Delaware home and Washington, D.C., office.
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