BOSTON - United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz announced today that she has appointed Assistant United States Attorney Fred Wyshak as the Chief of her Public Corruption and Special Investigations Unit. Mr. Wyshak replaces former Assistant United States Attorney Brian Kelly who left the office at the end of last year.
“Fred has an extraordinary record as a trial lawyer and a profound commitment to public service," said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “While he is well-known for his efforts to prosecute and convict James Bulger, Fred’s prosecutorial resume extends far beyond that. He has served this office with distinction for 25 years and I know his experience and legal acumen will serve him well in this position."
In 1978, Mr. Wyshak began his legal career in the Brooklyn (NY) District Attorney’s Office, as an Assistant District Attorney, later becoming the Deputy Chief of that office’s Economic Crime and Arson Bureau. He came to Boston in 1989, coming from the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey where he prosecuted organized crime cases, including the acting boss of a prominent LCN family. He joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts as a prosecutor in the Organized Crime Strike Force, handling some very difficult and defining cases - including labor racketeering cases. In 2005, he was cross-designated as a state’s attorney in Florida to assist in the prosecution of former FBI agent John Connolly for the murder of John Callahan.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chief of the Public Corruption and Special Investigations Unit," said Wyshak. “I intend to build upon the strong foundation and hard work of each of my predecessors and the dedicated prosecutors in the Public Corruption Unit. These cases are crucial to ensure that the public maintains faith in government, the law is upheld, and taxpayer money is spent correctly. I look forward to continuing to prosecute these very important cases."
While Mr. Wyshak has prosecuted some of the most high-profile cases handled by this office - including Bulger and the Big Dig cases - he has also worked behind-the-scenes as its Senior Litigation Counsel, providing training and mentoring to Assistant United States Attorneys, for the past 10 years.
“Fred is known for his excellent trial skills, case preparation and an attention to detail and potential legal issues, which have consistently resulted in successful prosecutions. Given his experience and accomplishments, I am thrilled to have him as Chief of the Public Corruption Unit," added U.S. Attorney Ortiz.
Mr. Wyshak is a graduate of New York University and St. John’s School of Law.
The Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit handles sensitive cases involving offenses at the federal, state and local levels by the actions of corrupt officials who abuse the power and responsibilities that they have been entrusted. Whether it be accepting a bribe, inflating a salary, or selling drugs on the side, corruption takes a heavy toll on communities.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
