Billy John Williams (born 1956)[1] is an American attorney who served as the United States attorney for the District of Oregon from 2015 to 2021. He was most recently confirmed to the position by the U.S. Senate in March 2018. Williams was originally named Acting U.S. Attorney of the district in April 2015 and was appointed to the position by Chief U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman in February 2016.[2] In November 2017, Williams was nominated by President Donald Trump to retain the position.[3] His nomination was supported by Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, Oregon's U.S. Senators.[4]
Billy J. Williams | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Attorney for the District of Oregon | |
| In office December 18, 2015 – February 28, 2021 | |
| President | |
| Preceded by | Amanda Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Natalie K. Wight |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1956 (age 67–68) Toppenish, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Washington State University (AB) Willamette University (JD) |
Early life and education
editWilliams received a Bachelor of Arts in 1981 from Washington State University and his Juris Doctor in 1989 at the Willamette University College of Law.[5][6] Before entering federal service, he was a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County, Oregon.[6]
Career
editIn 2017, he wrote an opinion piece in The Oregonian stating that "Oregon's sanctuary status declaration directly contravenes federal immigration law and threatens public safety".[7][8]
In February 2018, Williams convened a federal law enforcement summit in Portland at which he stated Oregon has a "formidable marijuana overproduction and diversion problem".[9] Oregon's Governor Kate Brown said that Williams told her "lawful Oregon businesses remain stakeholders in this conversation and not targets of law enforcement."[9] That and other comments were taken as "reassurances for rule-following Oregon [cannabis] businesses" in the wake of the January 2018 rescission of the Cole Memorandum.[10]
In August 2020, he announced that 74 people would be charged "for crimes committed adjacent to or under the guise of peaceful demonstrations in Portland", including for assault, destruction of federal property, failing to obey lawful orders, and disorderly conduct.[11]
On February 12, 2021, he announced his resignation, effective February 28.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Nominee questionnaire" (PDF). United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary. December 22, 2017.
- ^ Everton Bailey Jr. (December 18, 2015), "Billy J. Williams named U.S. attorney for Oregon", The Oregonian
- ^ Billy Williams Nominated to Remain US Attorney for Oregon, Associated Press, November 17, 2017 – via US News
- ^ Bernstein, Maxine (November 17, 2017). "President Trump nominates Billy J. Williams to remain Oregon's U.S. attorney". The Oregonian. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
- ^ Lawyer profile – Billy John Williams, Martindale-Hubbell, retrieved 2018-02-14
- ^ a b Meet the U.S. Attorney, United States Department of Justice – United States Attorney's office, District of Oregon, retrieved 2018-02-04
- ^ Kate Davidson (August 7, 2017), US Attorney Says Oregon Sheriffs Need To Cooperate With ICE, Oregon Public Broadcasting
- ^ Billy J. Williams (August 6, 2017), "Oregon's sanctuary status threatens public safety and law enforcement funding", The Oregonian (op-ed)
- ^ a b U.S. prosecutor says Oregon has 'formidable' pot problem, Associated Press, February 2, 2018 – via Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ^ Katie Shepherd (February 2, 2018). "Federal Prosecutors and Local Officials Hashing Out Disagreements on Marijuana Policy at Summit". Willamette Week.
- ^ "74 People Facing Federal Charges for Crimes Committed During Portland Demonstrations". www.justice.gov. 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
- ^ "U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams Announces Departure" (Press release). Portland, Oregon: United States Attorney's Office. February 12, 2021.