The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California announced that Federico Rocha, the U.S. Attorney's Law Enforcement Coordinator, was sworn in as the United States Marshal in the Northern District of California yesterday by Judge Susan Illston.

In announcing the appointment, which was made by the President and confirmed by the Senate, U.S. Attorney Kevin V. Ryan said, "The Northern District of California is fortunate to have a new United States Marshal as experienced and dedicated as Fred Rocha.  I have known Fred Rocha for nearly 20 years.  He has been an outstanding public servant for many years both here as the Law Enforcement Coordinator and as an Oakland Police officer.  I  have complete confidence in him as our Marshal."

Mr. Rocha has been Law Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office for approximately seven years.  He has a long history of public service dating back to 1966.  Mr. Rocha was one of the youngest officers in Vietnam where he served two tours of duty in the Army as an airborne ranger and received the Purple Heart.  He was an Oakland Police officer for more than 11 years.  While he began his police career as a patrol officer, Mr. Rocha became a well regarded OPD sergeant and helicopter pilot, and won a medal for valor.  In addition, Mr. Rocha worked for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Energy.  He has a doctorate in public administration from Golden Gate University, and a bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco.

As Law Enforcement Coordinator, Mr. Rocha has been the primary liaison between the U.S. Attorney's Office, the federal agencies, and local law enforcement including police departments, sheriff's departments and district attorney's throughout the Bay Area.  He also ran the U.S. Attorney's community outreach programs including the Weed and Seed program and the DEFY summer youth camps.