FBI Director Announces Charlene B. Thornton as
New Assistant Director for the Inspection Division
Washington, D.C. - FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III,
has named Charlene B. Thornton, currently serving as Special Agent
in Charge of the Phoenix Division, to be the Assistant Director for
the Inspection Division.
In her new position, Ms. Thornton will focus on strengthening FBI
inspection standards and implementing "best practices" throughout
the FBI. In addition to overseeing internal investigations of employee
misconduct, Ms. Thornton will evaluate the FBI's investigative, financial,
and administrative programs to ensure their economic value and compliance
with FBI objectives, governing laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
Director Mueller said, "The FBI is committed to ensuring accountability
and maintaining high standards at all levels of the FBI. Ms. Thornton
has upheld these ideals throughout her career. Her prior leadership
experience, both in the Inspection Division and in the field, will
make her an invaluable addition to the team."
Ms. Thornton entered on duty with the FBI in 1979 and
first served in the Indianapolis field office. Since then, she has
served in the Los Angeles, Baltimore, Honolulu, Birmingham, and Phoenix
Field Offices. Ms. Thornton has investigated a variety of cases, involving
criminal matters, counterterrorism, drugs, and civil rights. Prior
to her appointment as Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Division,
Ms. Thornton served as Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Division,
as an Inspector in the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters, and
as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu Division.
Ms. Thornton grew up in Wisconsin and earned her Bachelor of Arts
degree from Marion College in 1976. She earned a Juris Doctorate degree,
with honors, from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis,
in 1979, and a Masters of Law degree from the University of San Diego
School of Law in 1983. Currently, Ms. Thornton is a member of the
Indiana Bar Association and the International Association of Chiefs
of Police and serves on the Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association
Board of Directors.
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