PROVIDENCE, RI - United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced they have recommended that President Barack Obama nominate current Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha to be the next U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island.

"Peter Neronha is a veteran prosecutor and a dedicated public servant. He is a true professional. His exemplary service in the U.S. Attorney's office and the state Attorney General's office has earned him respect across the board from the law enforcement and legal communities. We are confident Mr. Neronha will be an exceptional U.S. Attorney and that he will do an outstanding job of serving and protecting the people of Rhode Island," said Reed and Whitehouse.

The U.S. Attorney serves as the state's top federal law enforcement official.

A Rhode Island native, Mr. Neronha has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island since 2002. He currently works in the criminal division prosecuting drug, organized crime, and public corruption cases. Mr. Neronha also heads the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which helps bolster law enforcement initiatives against gun crimes and prevents young people from turning to a life of violence.

Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Mr. Neronha served from 1996 to 2002 as the Assistant Attorney General of Rhode Island where he also worked in the criminal division. He practiced law as a civil litigator at Goodwin Procter, LLP from 1989 to 1996. He graduated in the top 10 of his class from Boston College and also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston College Law School.

It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators and members of Congress for recommendations for U.S. Attorney appointments, although ultimately the President nominates a candidate who must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a four-year term of service.