The Senate this week confirmed President Barack Obama’s nominee, Stacia A. Hylton, to head the U.S. Marshals Service. Hylton has come under fire from human rights groups who are concerned about her ties to a private prison company.
Critics said that Hylton, was too cozy with private prison companies that work with the U.S. Marshals Service in part because she worked as a consultant for the GEO Group, the second largest private prison company in the U.S. But Hylton defended her work during her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, stating that she followed all ethics requirements and regulations before she left federal service in early 2010.
“I welcome last night’s confirmation by the Senate of Stacia A. Hylton as the 10th director of the U.S. Marshals Service,” current Director John Clark said in a statement this week. He added, “As I retire from federal service on Jan. 1, 2011, I am confident that under Stacia’s leadership the U.S. Marshals Service will continue to carry out its varied missions – from apprehending fugitives, housing and transporting prisoners, protecting witnesses and federal judges and managing and selling seized assets – with professionalism and excellence.”
Clark had announced his resignation earlier this month in a letter obtained by TPM, stating that he had accepted a position in the private sector and would step down on Jan. 1 unless his replacement was confirmed before that point.
“I am pleased that Stacia Hylton will return to the U.S. Marshals Service to build upon 29 years of distinguished service at the department,” Attorney General Eric Holder said.
Hylton was nominated by Obama back in September and was endorsed by the Senate Judiciary Committee via voice vote on Dec. 1.
