David W. Ogden, the number two at the Department of Justice who was helping the Obama administration with its Indian Country crime initiatives, announced he will step down in February 2010 after less than a year on the job.

Ogden, the deputy attorney general, had taken part in DOJ's listening sessions with tribes and spoke at the White House Tribal Nations Conference last month. His role elevated tribal justice issues to a level not seen in decades.

Ogden said he wanted to return to private practice and spend more time with his wife and newborn daughter. But sources told The Washington Post said he didn't work well with Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and senior DOJ staff.

Get the Story:
No. 2 official leaving Justice Department (The Washington Post 12/4)
Deputy Attorney General to Step Down in February (The New York Times 12/4)