Long Island Gets New US Attorney To Fight MS-13

Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed a new federal prosecutor for Long Island on Wednesday, giving the region an more permanent face in the fight against MS-13.

Richard P. Donoghue, who is currently the chief litigation officer for the tech firm CA Technologies, has been tapped for the position. He brings a wealth of proprietorial experience to the role. Bridget Rhode has been Acting US Attorney for the district, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Long Island.

"When I became Attorney General, President Trump gave me clear orders to go after MS-13," Sessions said in a statement. "Since then, this Department of Justice has been relentless, arresting hundreds of MS-13 members from Los Angeles to Long Island. Today, I am appointing someone as Interim United States Attorney for Eastern District of New York who has tremendous experience prosecuting MS-13: Richard Donoghue. As a federal prosecutor for more than a decade — including as Criminal Chief of that office — he has been involved in the prosecution of gang members, terrorists and corrupt public officials. Every MS-13 member in Long Island should know, Richard Donoghue will use all the tools at his disposal to get criminals off our streets."

Donoghue is a Hofstra graduate and has extensive experience prosecuting crimes in the area. From 2000 to 2011, Donoghue served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Eastern District of New York, where he held positions including chief of the criminal division and chief of the Long Island criminal division. As an AUSA, he investigated and prosecuted a wide array of cases, including MS-13 racketeering cases and other violent crime, white collar crime, public integrity offenses, and drug trafficking.

During his time as a AUSA, Donoghue received the New York City Bar Association’s Henry L. Stimson Medal (awarded annually to outstanding AUSAs) and the Eastern District Association’s Charles E. Rose Award (awarded annually to outstanding AUSAs).

Donoghue is also a veteran. From 1993 to 2000, he served on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, where he held positions including Military Magistrate Judge, prosecutor, defense counsel and contract litigator, and from 1993 through 1995, Donoghue served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Donoghue also received many military awards during his service, including a Meritorious Service Medal (which he was awarded twice), an Army Commendation Medal (which he was also awarded twice), an Army Achievement Medal and a Humanitarian Service Medal.

"Richard Donoghue is the best choice that any president — from any party — could have made," said state Senator Todd Kaminsky, who used to work with Donoghue in the U.S. Attorney's office. "He is a prosecutor's prosecutor with a tireless work ethic, who is tough but fair. His unparalleled experience in gang prosecutions and his leadership in transforming EDNY’s Public Integrity Section into one of the best in the nation make him an excellent choice to combat the major criminal problems facing Long Island. I learned every time I was around him and I am confident that he will successfully lead one of the best and most prestigious offices in the country."

Donoghue's appointment goes into effect on Friday, Jan. 5. At that time, Bridget Rhode will resume her position as First Assistant United States Attorney.

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