U.S. Attorney George Beck of the Middle District of Alabama announced his resignation effective March 10. George joined nearly 50 other federal prosecutors around the U.S. who on the same day all resigned in a rather strange manner. The resignation is part of a Department of Justice (DOJ) mandate under the Trump administration, and came at the request of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. While it is not uncommon for U.S. Attorney positions to change with a new presidential administration, this one was different. The men and women serving as U.S. Attorneys around the country were called on March 10 and they were instructed to “clear their desk” by 3 p.m. Apparently, the request to resign and “get out of dodge” came without warning.
George was nominated for the position of U.S. Attorney by President Barack Obama and was sworn in in July 2011. Without any doubt, he has done a tremendous job. George made it his mission to get tough on violent crime, and he was extremely active in addressing issues including drugs and gun violence. George and his office prosecuted a number of high-profile cases involving dog fighting and child pornography that drew national attention.
The Middle District of Alabama covers 23 counties, and includes the cities of Alexander City, Andalusia, Auburn, Clanton, Dothan, Enterprise, Eufaula, Greenville, Montgomery, Opelika, Ozark, Phenix City, Prattville, Troy and Wetumpka. The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district involving the United States government. George Beck – a good man – will be missed!
Sources: AL.com, WSFA, and Montgomery Advertiser
