President Donald Trump has nominated Billy J. Williams to remain as Oregon's U.S. attorney.
Williams, 60, was among four top federal prosecutors that the president nominated Friday, the ninth wave of U.S. attorney selections, saying the candidates share his vision for "Making America Safe Again.''
"I am deeply honored by the nomination and if confirmed, look forward to continuing to serve the United States as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon,'' Williams said in a prepared statement.
Williams' nomination was anticipated after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited Portland in September and met with federal prosecutors. While he was here, Sessions slammed sanctuary cities, such as Portland, and their lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement officers.
Williams was named acting U.S. attorney in April 2015 after Amanda Marshall resigned amid an investigation into a sexual relationship with a subordinate. In February 2016, Oregon's Chief U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman appointed Williams to the post.
Williams, a former Multnomah County senior deputy district attorney, joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2000 and rose through the ranks, serving as tribal liaison, chief of the violent crimes unit, chief of the criminal division and first assistant.
He received his bachelor's of arts degree from Washington State University and his law degree from Willamette University College of Law.
U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden urged Trump in an August letter to White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II to retain Williams, noting his integrity as a prosecutor and bipartisan support.
On Friday, Wyden said he was pleased Williams can continue his service in the federal prosecutor's office. "Billy Williams has earned well-deserved renown for his honesty, integrity and effectiveness,'' Wyden said.
The Oregon State Sheriff's Association also wrote to the White House, saying Williams had a "deep understanding'' of the issues facing law enforcement and called him a "strong partner'' who has led his office during "some challenging and difficult times,'' noting the 2016 armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
The leaders of the 41-day occupation, Ammon Bundy, his brother Ryan Bundy, Shawna Cox and four others were acquitted of federal conspiracy charges in a high-profile trial under Williams' watch last fall. Others involved have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and lesser players were convicted of conspiracy and misdemeanor charges in the armed occupation.
In March, Williams wasn't among the 46 prosecutors whose resignations were requested by Sessions. Sessions' request applied to presidential appointees. Williams wasn't appointed by President Barack Obama.
-- Maxine Bernstein
mbernstein@oregonian.com
503-221-8212
@maxoregonian