With Donald Trump set to take office in less than a month, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Carmen Ortiz has announced her resignation.
Ortiz was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. During her tenure, she's overseen the successful prosecutions of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and mobster James "Whitey" Bulger. Her office was also responsible for the widely-criticized prosecution of Aaron Swartz, who committed suicide as his case was pending.
Michael Sullivan preceded Ortiz as U.S Attorney for Massachusetts, serving during the administration of President George W. Bush. Sullivan sat down with WGBH All Things Considered Barbara Howard to discuss the impending transition in the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Interview Highlights
On the transition's challenges
"Making sure that the work that's in progress continues to get the proper level of attention. You know, a good transtion from one administration to the next. And making sure the priorities of the office are clearly communicated."
On advice he'd offer to the next U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts
"Rely upon the strength of the organization itself - there are tremendously talented people that are highly regarded, well intentioned. Listen, learn, develop a great relationship with the law enforcement agencies that you'll come to rely upon very heavily. Understand the priorities of the office starting with national security and anti-terrorism."
