Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced today the official nomination of native Rhode Islander and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Senior Special Agent Wing Chau for Unites States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island. The Senate Judiciary Committee, on which Whitehouse serves, will now consider Chau’s nomination before moving to the Senate floor for confirmation. The White House first announced Chau’s nomination last week. Chau was selected to take the place of outgoing U.S. Marshal Jamie Hainsworth, who has served in the post since 2012.
“U.S. Marshals are a vitally important part of our federal law enforcement community. They handle everything from tracking and capturing dangerous fugitives to maintaining order in our courtrooms. We need to draw on the most qualified and talented people to fill the role,” said Reed and Whitehouse. “Special Agent Chau is an experienced law enforcement officer who has shown strong commitment to Rhode Island and led important, sensitive investigations. We are glad to see the Senate take up his nomination. We also thank Marshal Hainsworth for his outstanding service and wish him the very best.”
Chau grew up in Rhode Island and attended Providence public schools, graduating from Central High School. He earned degrees from the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College.
Chau began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a capitol police officer for the state of Rhode Island. In 1994, he joined federal law enforcement, working for the U.S. Border Patrol and then the ATF. During his 20 years as an ATF Special Agent, Chau has taken part in a range of criminal investigations of gang activity, violent criminals, and domestic and international terrorist organizations. He served as Acting Special Agent in Charge in the Rhode Island ATF office during 9/11, and helped in the effort to track and apprehend the Boston Marathon bomber in 2013.
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