PHOENIX - United States Attorney John S. Leonardo announced today that operations of the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, all divisions - Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Yuma, are being affected by the partial shutdown in effect since midnight, Oct. 1, 2013.
Most criminal litigation and related work will continue with limited interruption, as these activities are deemed essential to the safety of human life and the protection of property. The U. S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement on criminal matters. However, because of the appropriation lapse and partial shutdown, much of the office’s staff working on civil litigation is being furloughed. Administrative and criminal support staff are also being furloughed. All civil litigation in which the office is involved will be curtailed or postponed to the extent possible without compromising public safety or the protection of property, and always subject to the direction of the federal courts.
Because of the effects of the appropriations lapse on activities of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not be able to readily respond to media inquiries. Press releases will be limited to urgent matters involving public safety. The office’s website will not be actively during the shutdown. The district will continue to receive communications from the public via mail, email and/or telephone.
For additional information concerning the effects of the appropriations lapse and partial shutdown, visit or http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2013-078_Shutdown
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
