Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced the confirmation 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. Upon Reed and Whitehouse’s recommendation, the White House nominated Chau last August, and then renewed the nomination in the 116th Congress. The full Senate approved the nomination yesterday. Chau replaces outgoing U.S. Marshal Jamie Hainsworth, who served in the post since 2012.
“We are excited to announce the confirmation of Wing Chau to be Rhode Island’s next U.S. Marshal,” said Reed and Whitehouse. “Our marshals are charged with a range of important and challenging duties. They must be able to handle sensitive, difficult law enforcement work under trying conditions. We are confident Special Agent Chau’s years of experience in law enforcement and strong commitment to Rhode Island will serve the people of our state well. We also appreciate Marshal Hainsworth for his exceptional 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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