WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama today nominated Juan Mattos Jr., a former 35-year member of the New Jersey State Police, to be state’s next U.S. marshal. If confirmed by the Senate, Mattos will become New Jersey’s first Hispanic U.S. marshal. The Monroe Township resident, who was second in command to the superintendent, retired from the State Police last year...
Juan Mattos Jr. in this undated photo.WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama today nominated Juan Mattos Jr., a former 35-year member of the New Jersey State Police, to be state’s next U.S. marshal.
If confirmed by the Senate, Mattos will become New Jersey’s first Hispanic U.S. marshal.
The Monroe Township resident, who was second in command to the superintendent, retired from the State Police last year after serving as head of investigations and then later operations. Mattos, 55, currently works in the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
"Mr. Mattos has had a distinguished career in law enforcement in New Jersey and will be a strong leader of New Jersey’s U.S. marshal’s office," said U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who recommended Mattos to Obama. "Mr. Mattos has the expertise and experience needed to protect our federal courts, recover fugitives and oversee federal prisoners in New Jersey."
The nomination is also backed by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).
"The people of New Jersey deserve a marshal who is whip-smart, aggressive and aimed toward justice," Menendez said. "Juan Mattos Jr. embodies those qualities."
Mattos could not be reached for comment.
Obama also nominated Robert "Bobby" Mathieson to be U.S. marshal in the Eastern District of Virginia.
"Throughout their careers, these dedicated law enforcement professionals have shown an unwavering commitment to public service," the president said of Mattos and Mathieson. "I am honored to nominate them to serve the American people as U.S. marshals."
Mattos' nomination comes after a long delay, during which Lautenberg and Menendez were in uncharacteristic disagreement. The senators had each supported other candidates for U.S. marshal, but couldn't agree on one. The logjam was broken last week when the senators backed a new candidate, Mattos.
New Jersey has had an acting marshal since August and, before that, a holdover marshal from the Bush administration.
As of last week, Obama had named 69 U.S. marshals in other districts, with 66 of those receiving U.S. Senate confirmation so far. Some states have multiple U.S. marshal districts, but New Jersey has only one.
The nomination is also backed by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).
"The people of New Jersey deserve a marshal who is whip-smart, aggressive and aimed toward justice," Menendez said. "Juan Mattos Jr. embodies those qualities."
Mattos could not be reached for comment.
Obama also nominated Robert "Bobby" Mathieson to be U.S. marshal in the Eastern District of Virginia.
"Throughout their careers, these dedicated law enforcement professionals have shown an unwavering commitment to public service," the president said of Mattos and Mathieson. "I am honored to nominate them to serve the American people as U.S. marshals."
Mattos' nomination comes after a long delay, during which Lautenberg and Menendez were in uncharacteristic disagreement. The senators had each supported other candidates for U.S. marshal, but hadn't agreed on one. The logjam was broken last week when the senators backed a new candidate, Mattos.
New Jersey has had an acting marshal since August and, before that, a holdover marshal from the Bush administration.
As of last week, Obama had named 69 U.S. marshals in other districts, with 66 of those receiving U.S. Senate confirmation so far. Some states have multiple U.S. marshal districts, but New Jersey has only one.