Nicholas A. Klinefeldt, Abuse of Power, Iowa 2015

DES MOINES, IA—Nicholas A. Klinefeldt, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, has announced that he will step down from his position, effective November 15, 2015.

According to a statement by Klinefeldt, he has been the greatest honor and privilege of his career serving as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. He expressed gratitude to President Obama and appreciation for the opportunity to work with Attorneys General Holder and Lynch and other dedicated professionals across the DOJ.

Klinefeldt will become a partner in the Des Moines office of an international law firm after leaving his position. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to justice displayed by the lawyers and staff in the Southern District of Iowa, who work hard every day to protect the communities across Iowa.

As United States Attorney, Klinefeldt has been a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on White Collar Crime and co-chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Criminal Practice. He worked on a national basis to update and expand discovery policies to ensure defendants receive all of the information they need to adequately defend themselves.

Klinefeldt also changed the way the office utilized mandatory minimum sentences, ensuring they were only used when absolutely necessary. He emphasized the importance of relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and expanded white collar crime enforcement in the Southern District of Iowa.

Under Klinefeldt’s leadership, the office brought two major civil rights cases against Des Moines Police Officers for excessive force. He personally handled and tried several prosecutions himself, demonstrating his commitment to justice.

The Southern District of Iowa covers 47 of Iowa’s 99 counties, including Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City, Davenport, and Burlington. Klinefeldt will be remembered for his dedication to serving the people of Iowa and upholding the law.

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