WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today announced her recommendations to President Obama for three key federal appointments in the Eastern District of Louisiana. She selected Michael Bagneris as judge for the U.S. District Court, Jim Letten to retain his role as U.S. attorney, and she selected Genevieve "Genny" May as U.S. Marshal.

"Michael Bagneris, Jim Letten and Genevieve May are the outstanding choices to serve our communities," Sen. Landrieu said. "My office has been thoroughly vetting candidates for these positions since the Obama Administration took office. It was important for us to have adequate time to hear from a broad swath of our community before a final decision was made. Because of the meticulous review we did of qualified contenders, I am confident that I am recommending to the President and Attorney General Holder the most competent and fair-minded choices for Louisiana's Eastern District."

"I have had the distinct privilege over the years to have worked with each of these appointees and have the utmost respect and admiration for the diligence with which they have each performed their duties and the contributions each has made to the State of Louisiana," said Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine "Kitty" Kimball. "I wish them all the best in their new endeavors, and our court will continue to cooperate with them in any way that we may be of assistance." "As one of the law enforcement leaders in the Eastern District, I'm familiar with each of the three candidates being proposed by Sen. Landrieu," said Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand. "My interactions with them in past years have always been positive, and these are strong, pro law enforcement-type officials. I am very proud of the candidates she has put up for consideration."

Bagneris won the Orleans Parish Civil District Court judgeship in 1993, where he has served as Chief Judge. He grew up in the Desire Housing Projects in New Orleans and earned a scholarship to Yale University, eventually graduating from Tulane Law School. Early in his career, he worked with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to reverse discriminatory laws, such as those that barred minorities and women from becoming police officers and firefighters. He then served as Mayor Ernest "Dutch" Morial's Executive Council. The National Bar Association selected him to lead the Judicial Council Division of the National Bar Association, and in that position, he has emphasized the importance of continuing legal education programs and often lectures on the topic. He has a seat on the Tulane Board of Trustees and helps mentor new judges.

"For his entire career, Judge Bagneris has fought for civil rights for our local community and communities across the nation," Sen. Landrieu said. "His colleagues in the state judiciary consider him one of our finest and most dedicated leaders. He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the federal judiciary. His fair-mindedness, honesty and dedication to our region make him the top choice to serve the people of the Eastern District in this critical judgeship."

U.S. Attorney Letten, a New Orleans native, has served as United States Attorney since April 2001, and he is known for his dedication to combating corruption. He is a graduate of Tulane Law School and served for four years in the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office under then-District Attorney Harry Connick.

Letten has served for more than 25 years as a federal prosecutor, becoming Chief of the DOJ Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike force in 1988 and First Assistant in 1994. As U.S. Attorney, Letten has served on the Attorney General's Advisory Subcommittees on National Security/Counter Terrorism, Environment Crimes and Violent Crimes. He was awarded the U.S. Attorney General's Medallion for Distinguished Service in recognition of his leadership following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Letten is also a retired Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer, achieving the rank of Commander.

"The New Orleans region is a safer place thanks to the grit and determination of our U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, and he deserves reappointment," Sen. Landrieu said. "His crime-fighting record and leadership against corruption should be both admired and emulated. His ability to cooperate and partner with our region's law enforcement has greatly increased his office's effectiveness. Under the direction of our new Attorney General Holder, he will continue to be the fair-minded and even-handed U.S. Attorney that has been for eight years."

"I applaud Senator's Landrieu's recommendation to retain Jim Letten as U.S. Attorney," said New Orleans attorney Brian Jackson. "Jim is an outstanding prosecutor who has served this community with the highest degree of professional competence. I am confident that he will continue to serve with fairness and integrity."

Lieutenant Colonel May would be the first presidentially appointed female U.S. Marshal in Louisiana. Since 2008, she has served as Deputy Superintendent in the Louisiana State Police, overseeing the Bureau of Investigations. She is the highest-ranking woman within the state police. Lieutenant Colonel May is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana State University and has Master's degrees in public administration and criminal justice. May is responsible for more than 500 commissioned and civilian personnel. She recently retired from the U.S. Navy, where she served as an Intelligence Specialist Master Chief Petty Officer. During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, she served as a critical liaison between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Early in her career, she was a Deputy Sheriff in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

"Lieutenant Colonel May has dedicated her career to law enforcement, serving our state in the Louisiana State Police and her country in the U.S. Navy. She would be the first woman from our state presidentially appointed to U.S. Marshal, and her credentials clearly place her as the No. 1 candidate in the Eastern District."

Sen. Landrieu's full letter of recommendation to President Obama is available here.