Law | National

US Attorneys named to lead DOJ Native American subcommittee

Monday, March 30, 2015

Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota, in June 2014. Photo from KXMB / Twitter

Two federal prosecutors, including one who has overseen a record number of tribal corruption cases, have been named as the leaders of the Native American Issues Subcommittee for the Department of Justice.

U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter of Montana will serve as chair and U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez of New Mexico will serve as vice chair. They will advise Attorney General Eric Holder on key issues facing Indian Country.

"As public servants from districts with significant responsibilities related to tribal nations, Mike Cotter and Damon Martinez possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will serve to promote the mission of the NAIS and benefit Indian country as a whole," Holder said in a press release. "I am confident that, with their dedication, their vision, and their leadership, we will continue to deliver on this department’s important work and to fulfil this nation’s historic relationship of trust and cooperation with Native American and Alaska Native people.”

Cotter succeeds former U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon of North Dakota, who resigned to join the private sector. As the lead federal prosecutor in Montana, Cotter has overseen the largest number of government corruption cases in the nation as part of the Guardians Project.

Holder remains at DOJ despite having announced his departure in September 2014. His tenure marked a dramatic shift in the federal-Indian relationship that started with the settling of the Cobell trust fund lawsuit and continued with numerous tribal trust fund settlements.

Holder and his U.S. Attorneys championed the recognition of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians in the Violence Against Women Act. The law became effective nationwide earlier this month.

President Barack Obama nominated Loretta Lynch to serve as the next Attorney General in November. The Senate has failed to confirm her amid partisan bickering.