Sessions names new U.S. Attorney for Central Illinois, but pick might be temporary

Posted on November 17, 2017

 

Justice
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has named John Childress of Springfield as the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois. The appointment expires in 120 days pending a presidential nomination and confirmation by the U.S, Senate. (File photo)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has named a new chief federal prosecutor for the Central District of Illinois that covers McLean County, but the appointment might be temporary.

Sessions named John Childress of Springfield as U.S. Attorney, succeeding Patrick Hansen, who’s been acting U.S. Attorney since Jim Lewis retired last December.

The appointment is for 120 days, pending a nomination from President Trump and U.S. Senate confirmation.

If the elected leaders fail to act during that time, judges in the district will name someone to the post.

Childress has been Criminal Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s office, and has been the district’s representative on the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Childress is also a former Sangamon County Associate Circuit Judge, and is a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Iraq.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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