Duane Kees, Public Official Corruption, Arkansas 2017

FORT SMITH, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, according to a recent press release. The appointment marks a significant change in leadership for the office, which has been without a permanent U.S. Attorney since Conner Eldridge’s resignation on August 21, 2015.

Kees, a native of Little Rock, was nominated by President Donald Trump on September 28, 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 20, 2017. He took the oath of office today at 4 p.m. from United States District Court Chief Judge P.K. Holmes, III and began work immediately after the ceremony.

As U.S. Attorney, Kees is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Western District of Arkansas, which includes six divisions and 34 counties within Arkansas, with its primary office in Fort Smith. He oversees a staff of 41 employees, including 21 attorneys and 20 non-attorney support personnel.

The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Kees stated, ‘I am honored and excited to begin serving the people of Arkansas as U.S. Attorney for the Western District. I am grateful to Senators Boozman and Cotton for their support. I look forward to working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the citizens of Arkansas.’

Before his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Kees served in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Captain while earning numerous awards and decorations. He is currently serving with the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson in Little Rock and holds the rank of Major.

Kees is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas School of Law. He succeeds Kenneth Elser, who had served as acting U.S. Attorney since Conner Eldridge’s resignation.

As U.S. Attorney, Kees will be responsible for overseeing the prosecution of federal crimes in the Western District of Arkansas. This includes crimes such as public corruption, which involves the misuse of public office for personal gain. While Kees’ appointment as U.S. Attorney is a significant development, it remains to be seen how he will approach the role and prioritize the prosecution of federal crimes in the district.

The Western District of Arkansas is home to six divisions and 34 counties, with a diverse range of communities and law enforcement agencies. As U.S. Attorney, Kees will be responsible for working with these agencies to ensure public safety and uphold the law.

With his background in the U.S. Army and experience as a lawyer, Kees brings a unique set of skills to the role of U.S. Attorney. However, his success in the position will depend on his ability to work effectively with law enforcement and the community to address the complex challenges facing the Western District of Arkansas.

Kees’ appointment as U.S. Attorney marks a significant change in leadership for the office, and it remains to be seen how he will approach the role and prioritize the prosecution of federal crimes in the district.