Finley nominated as US Attorney for La. district

Associated Press

1/20/10:

President Barack Obama has nominated a veteran prosecutor to serve as U.S. Attorney for Louisiana's western district.

Stephanie A. Finley's nomination Wednesday must be confirmed by the Senate before she can take over as the head federal prosecutor for a district that includes Lafayette and Shreveport.

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu recommended Finley for the post last July. In a statement late Wednesday, Landrieu said she was impressed by Finley's law enforcement and military experience.

"She is wholly committed to community safety and upholding public integrity," Landrieu said.

Finley is set to replace Donald Washington, who resigned Monday after more than eight years in the position.

Finley has been an assistant U.S. Attorney in Louisiana's western district since 1995. Before that, she earned the rank of lieutenant colonel and was an assistant staff judge advocate in the Air Force.

A 1988 graduate of Grambling State University, she earned her law degree from Southern University Law Center in 1991.

"I am honored that President Obama has selected me to serve the people of the Western District of Louisiana," Finley said in the statement released by Landrieu's office. "Working for the department as a prosecutor for the last 14 years has been an extraordinary experience. I now look forward to leading this dedicated group of men and women in their tireless pursuit of justice."