Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty Resigns

Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty has resigned, according to the Justice Department. McNulty becomes the highest-ranking Justice Dept. official to step down as a result of the U.S. attorney scandal.

McNulty was sworn in as deputy attorney general in March 2006, although he had served as acting DAG since November of the previous year. McNulty was U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia from Sept. 2001 to when he was sworn in as the number two official at the Justice Dept.

McNulty moved between Capitol Hill and the Justice Department on several occasions before becoming DAG, including serving as staff director for the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment of former President Clinton.

In addition to the controversy over the U.S. attorney firings, McNulty also came under heavy criticism from lawmakers for his role in the May 20, 2006, FBI raid on Rep. William Jefferson's (D-La.) congressional office. That search led to a still ongoing legal battle between Jefferson and the Justice Dept. over the propriety of the search. As the U.S. attorney who initially oversaw the Jefferson probe, McNulty was blamed by lawmakers when DOJ attempted to force the issue by searching Jefferson's office.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales  released a statement on McNulty's resignation:

"The Department of Justice will be losing a dynamic and thoughtful leader with the departure of Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty. Paul announced today that he would leave the Department later this summer after more than eight years of service.

In his position as Deputy Attorney General, for which he was confirmed in March 2006 and served in an acting capacity since November 2005, Paul has been an effective manager of day-to-day operations. He has also been the principal driver of the Department’s policies and efforts to prevent corporate fraud and stop those who seek to defraud the taxpayers through fraudulent procurement practices. In addition, he has made significant contributions to establishing the rule of law in Iraq. Before serving as Deputy, Paul was U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he successfully prosecuted some of our Nation's highest profile cases in the War on Terror. From 1990-1993, he served in the Department as the director of the Office of Policy and Communications under Attorney General William P. Barr.

Paul’s long career in public service includes his work for the U.S. Congress and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and there can be no doubt that the Nation has benefited from his selfless dedication to good government.

Paul is an outstanding public servant and a fine attorney who has been valued here at the Department, by me and so many others, as both a colleague and a friend. He will be missed. On behalf of the Department, I wish him well in his future endeavors."