President Obama Nominates Two to Serve as U.S. Attorneys

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, President Obama nominated Arthur Lee Bentley III and David Rivera to serve as U.S. Attorneys. 

“These two men have proven themselves to be not only top-flight attorneys but dedicated public servants," President Obama said. "I am grateful for the work they have already done on behalf of the American people and confident that they will ensure justice is served as United States Attorneys.”

Arthur Lee Bentley III: Nominee for United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida

Arthur Lee Bentley III has been the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida since July 2013.  He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Florida since 2000, during which time he has held leadership positions including First Assistant United States Attorney from 2008 to 2013 and Chief of the Criminal Division from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2013.  Previously, Bentley worked at Hogan & Hartson LLP, where he was a partner from 1993 to 2000 and an associate from 1990 to 1992.  He was an associate at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP from 1989 to 1990 and a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida from 1988 to 1989.  From 1985 to 1987, he served as an Attorney Advisor in the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel.  Bentley began his legal career as a law clerk for Justice Lewis F. Powell of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1984 to 1985 and for Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 1983 to 1984.  He received his J.D. in 1983 from the University of Virginia School of Law and his B.B.A. in 1980 from the University of Georgia.

David Rivera: Nominee for United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee

David Rivera has been the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee since April 2013.  He has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Tennessee since 2004, during which time he has held leadership positions including First Assistant United States Attorney from 2008 to 2013 and Chief of the Criminal Division from 2007 to 2008.  From 1999 to 2004, he worked in the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico, serving as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.  Rivera was an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, Florida from 1994 to 1999 and an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, New York from 1988 to 1993.  Rivera received his J.D. in 1988 from Pace University School of Law and his B.S. in 1982 from Oral Roberts University.  He also served in the United States Air Force and the United States Air National Guard.