U.S. Attorney McSwain Names New Leadership Team

PHILADELPHIA – William M. McSwain, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has named the office’s new senior executive leadership team.

McSwain, who was sworn in last week, named Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams to be his First Assistant U.S. Attorney, effective immediately. Williams is currently the office’s Chief of National Security and Cybercrime. For her work as a prosecutor, she was given the Anti-Defamation League’s SHIELD award which recognizes law enforcement success in the fight against hate crime and extremism. She also successfully prosecuted the first case charging material support of terrorists in the history of the district – the so-called “Jihad Jane” case. “It will be an honor to serve as First Assistant,” said Williams. “After serving for 16 years as a prosecutor in this office, I look forward to bringing my experience in fighting terrorism and cybercrime to a new leadership role.”

McSwain named former U.S. Attorney Louis Lappen as Deputy U.S. Attorney. Lappen had served as the U.S. Attorney since November 2017 and as the Acting U.S. Attorney since 2016. As First Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2010 until 2016, he supervised the Criminal, Civil, and Administrative divisions of the office. He has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District since 1997, investigating and prosecuting a variety of cases, including white collar crime, corruption, child exploitation, violent crime, and narcotics distribution. Lappen successfully prosecuted a high-ranking police officer for corruption and securities fraud matters involving hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.  He has received numerous awards and commendations including the American Bar Association’s Norm Maleng Minister of Justice Award. “This office has a history of success and stability,” said Lappen. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the U.S. Attorney in maintaining our culture of excellence.”

Denise Wolf, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division since 2003, has been named Chief of the Criminal Division, effective April 24, 2018. Wolf has served in the white collar/economic crimes unit of the Criminal Division, along with the firearms and corruption units. She has handled a wide variety of cases, including the prosecution Philadelphia Traffic Court judges and court administrators for ticket-fixing, which led to the Pennsylvania legislature abolishing the Traffic Court.  In addition, in 2006, Wolf received the Attorney General Award and other commendations for her role in the prosecution of Eli Lily pharmaceutical.  “It’s very humbling to be named Chief of the Criminal Division, and I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Wolf. “I’ll be working with some of the most talented prosecutors in the country.”

McSwain has named Gregory David, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division since 2010, as Chief of the Civil Division, also effective April 24, 2018. David has played a key role in several significant civil cases, including a multi-district False Claims Act investigation that led to a $150 million settlement against the largest home health care company in the country. For his work, David received the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Special Commendation. He will supervise all civil matters including affirmative civil enforcement actions and defense of the federal government in civil litigation. “This is one of the most successful and trailblazing civil divisions in the country,” David said. “I look forward to working with and leading a deep bench of talented Assistant U.S. Attorneys.”

“We have an amazing group of talented and dedicated public servants in this office,” said McSwain. “I’m excited about our new leadership team. I look forward to working with them and supporting them in every way possible.”