Udall, Heinrich Praise Nomination of Damon P. Martinez for US Attorney

WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed news that President Barack Obama has nominated Damon P. Martinez to be the next United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.

 Martinez has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2001 and currently supervises the Organized Crime and Gang Section in Albuquerque. He is highly experienced in cases concerning national security and anti-terrorism, immigration and narcotics.

The senators recommended Martinez for the position of U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico in an April 26, 2013, letter to President Obama.

"Damon Martinez is an excellent public servant with a distinguished career in law enforcement, and I want to thank the president for following our recommendation to nominate him for this important post," Udall said. "I have no doubt Damon is up to the important challenge of enforcing federal laws in New Mexico and will make a fine U.S. Attorney for the District." 

“Damon Martinez's record of public service in New Mexico and commitment to justice will make him an outstanding U.S. Attorney," Heinrich said. "I have no doubt that he will distinguish himself in this position, as he has throughout his career. I’m pleased with President Obama’s selection and look forward to supporting Damon’s nomination." 

Martinez began his career as a federal prosecutor in the Las Cruces branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and transferred to Albuquerque in 2005. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s office, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico, and held the positions of legislative director and legislative assistant for then-Congressman Udall and U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, respectively.

Martinez is an Albuquerque native and graduate of St. Pius X High School. He holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. He was also a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve until 2009, when he transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. Martinez currently holds the rank of Major.

U.S. Attorneys serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General. They are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. Each U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the U.S. within his or her particular jurisdiction.