After serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Connecticut for 40 years, and as Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Division for more than 30 years, John B. Hughes today retired from federal service.
Hughes, a resident of Branford, joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut as a Special Assistant in February 1980, and was appointed an AUSA in November 1981. In June 1989, he was named Chief of the Civil Division, and he held that position since that time. Hughes served under 14 U.S. Attorneys, and as Civil Chief under 12 of those U.S. Attorneys.
During his 41 years of service and, in particular, his time as Civil Division Chief, Hughes demonstrated the highest level of integrity and skill in all his duties. His rigorous attention to detail ensured that the Civil Division’s mission consistently reflected well on the District and the Justice Department. Under his management, the District of Connecticut created robust Affirmative Civil Enforcement and Health Care Fraud programs, which produced hundreds of millions of dollars in civil recoveries. He oversaw the successful defense of numerous complex medical malpractice and tort cases, and he personally litigated tribal recognition cases involving voluminous records and discovery lasting several years. Also, Hughes was a founding member and the first chairperson of the Civil Chiefs Working Group.
In 2011, Hughes received the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Director’s Executive Achievement Award, one of the Justice Department’s highest awards for employee performance.
“With his dedication, commitment, and solid grace, John Hughes has instilled all members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office with a sense of reverence for our responsibilities and an appreciation for what it means to represent our fellow citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle. “Throughout his career, John has exemplified the highest traditions of the Department of Justice. He has been a dedicated advocate, a thoughtful and kind leader, and a steadfast friend. I know that everyone joins me in wishing John a long, healthy and happy retirement.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 54 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct.
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