U.S. Attorney’s office dedicated to combating violent crimes, education, support
The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania focuses its energy on prosecuting crimes involving violence, sexual abuse of children and drug trafficking organizations.
In addition to the 450 to 500 criminal cases prosecuted each year, the office’s 56 assistant U.S. attorneys and dozens of staff in three regional offices are also committed to education and support services aimed at preventing crime and avoiding recidivism.
Troy Rivetti, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District, discussed the office’s functions and priorities Friday in a meeting with members of the Butler Eagle editorial department. The meeting came after he and U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung met with Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger and county police chiefs.
“Violence is the touchstone of the work we do,” Rivetti said.
Violence and guns are frequently used in drug trafficking, which has evolved over the years, he said.
Fentanyl and heroin have replaced cocaine and crack cocaine as the priorities of federal law enforcement. Wire taps and informants are often used to identify traffickers and track the drugs they ship from Mexico into the United States, he said.
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