US Attorney in Chicago Steps Down

The U.S. attorney for Chicago, Patrick Fitzgerald, said he is going to step down at the end of June, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Fitzgerald, 51, is credited with convicting two former Illinois governors, including Rod Blagojevich, and a former vice presidential aide. He has held the position since Sept. 1, 2001, making him the longest-serving U.S. attorney in Chicago.

Fitzgerald, a native of Brooklyn, said in a statement that his appointment was “one of the greatest opportunities that one could ever hope for.”

He added, “I believe that even more now after having the privilege of working alongside hundreds of dedicated prosecutors and agents. I have tried not to get in their way.”

His office did not give a reason why he is stepping down from his position, but noted that he has no immediate plans for employment.

The statement says Fitzgerald served Illinois with “utmost integrity and a steadfast commitment to the cause of justice.”