WASHINGTON - United States Attorney General William P. Barr recognized two attorneys from the Southern District of Ohio as part of the 67th Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony today.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brenda S. Shoemaker and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew M. Malek were two of 11 individuals to receive the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service, the second highest award for employee performance.
Shoemaker and Malek were part of the team that played a key role in targeting South Korean oil companies that rigged bids and defrauded the U.S. Department of Defense.
Throughout the course of a conspiracy that lasted more than a decade, five South Korean oil companies conspired to raise the price of key contracts that provided fuel on U.S. military bases in South Korea.
The team obtained guilty pleas from five companies and criminal fines, civil penalties and damages to the United States totaling more than $350 million.
“Andy Malek and Brenda Shoemaker are fantastic AUSAs, and this recognition is well warranted. Working together with the Antitrust and Civil Divisions of the Department of Justice and with our law enforcement partners, AUSAs Malek and Shoemaker have demonstrated our ability and resolve to reach around the world to hold accountable those who defraud the United States military. I’m proud of their work," U.S. Attorney Glassman said.
In total, 295 department employees were recognized for their distinguished public service. Sixty-two other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work.
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
The annual ceremony recognizes employees and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and service to the Department of Justice and the American people.
“Our greatest strength in our fight for justice is our people - the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their careers, often at great personal sacrifice, to working for justice in America," said Attorney General William P. Barr. “As we reflect on the contributions of each of the 357 individuals we honor today, we should hold them up as examples of excellence that continue to inspire our own commitment, and also as reminders of the professionalism and the qualities exhibited throughout the Department."
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
