By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-890468.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The US Senate has confirmed William Hochul as the new US Attorney for Western New York.
Hochul is a veteran prosecutor in the US Attorney's office. He was lead prosecutor in the case of the Lackawanna Six, the local Yemeni-American men who were accused of visiting an al Qaeda training camp nearly 10 years ago.
Hochul says terrorism is his top priority. He says he will also continue to crack down on government corruption and illegal drugs.
Hochul was recommended by Senator Charles Schumer and officially nominated by President Obama in late December. Since then, it was a waiting game as the nomination made its way through the Senate judiciary committee and then the full Senate. Word of his confirmation finally arrived Wednesday.
Hochul says he'll take over the reins of the local office once his official commission from President Obama arrives in the next day or so.