Dana Boente has just been appointed as the first assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. District Court in Alexandria after spending nearly a year as the acting U.S. attorney for the same court. It’s his job to make sure the office that prosecutes terrorists, drug dealers and tax fraudsters runs smoothly. It’s also a role he’s accustomed to, having held the position with the previous U.S. attorney, Chuck Rosenberg.
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What brought you to a career in prosecuting?
When I was first getting started in my legal career I came out to Washington to work in the Department of Justice. I thought I’d work there for three or four years and then move back to the Midwest and engage in corporate law. That was 26 years ago. It wasn’t the plan I started out with, but I enjoy it. I’m also a CPA and thought I would be dealing with contract disputes my entire life. Now I find the thought of doing corporate litigation a bit frightening.
Does having that financial background help you with prosecuting white collar crimes?
When specific accounting concepts come up, I may grasp them quicker than non-accountants. But other people have the ability to catch up rather quickly. In the criminal world if things get so complicated that you need a CPA to explain them then it’s not going to be something you can take before a jury.
What does a first assistant to the U.S. attorney do?
It’s generally like being the chief operating officer of a company. From a production standpoint, I make sure cases are prosecuted and done on time. I also provide advice to the U.S. attorney when asked.
How does newly appointed U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride compare with your old boss, Chuck Rosenberg?
They’re both low key guys, which is as helpful in that position as it is in mine. They have relaxed personalities.
