An Ohio U.S. Attorney fired by President Trump was previously hailed by his colleagues for his work stopping violent crime in his state.
Kenneth L. Parker served the Southern District of Ohio and was part of a blanket dismissal of all U.S. attorneys appointed by President Biden, Fox 19 reported.
Former ATF Director Steven M. Dettelbach told Fox 19 that Parker was "a warrior in the fight against violent crime" who "led the fight to catch and punish those who deal in and use deadly and illegal machine gun conversion devices. More people in Ohio are alive today because Ken Parker was their U.S. Attorney."
U.S. Attorneys often change with a new incoming administration. Usually, they are fired or resign, although a president can seek to retain individuals.
"It has been my highest honor to serve the people of the Southern District of Ohio as the United States Attorney. There is no better feeling than to come to the office every day knowing I, along with all the prosecutors, trial attorneys, and staff, work to protect the rights, safety, and interests of the public with excellence and integrity," Parker said in a statement.
Among Parker's accomplishments was a focus on opioid prosecutions that contributed to a decrease in overdose deaths in Hamilton County. Parker also increased the number of alleged drug traffickers being extradited from Colombia for prosecution.
The district's conviction rate rose under Parker to 91.9%, higher than the national average of 90.7% and that of other large districts.
Parker first joined the office in 1999 as an Assistant United States Attorney. He has served as the District's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Deputy Criminal Chief and as the District's Criminal Chief.
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, he served as co-chair of the Law Enforcement, Victims, and Community Outreach committee, as well as a standing member on the Violent and Organized Crime and Civil Rights committees.
Originally published on Latin Times
