WhoRunsGov

Kenneth E. Melson

Senior Advisor on forensic science, Justice Department Office of Legal Policy

(ATF site)

Why He Matters

Melson oversees the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which aims to control illegal weapons traffic and explosives use, as well as acts of arson, bombing and terrorism; violent criminals; and criminal organization.

He joined the agency in 2009 after a career in prosecution, including as director for the Justice Department's Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys.

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Corrections?
 

At a Glance

  • Career History: Former Deputy Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (since April 2009); Director, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (2007-2009); First Assistant, US Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Virginia (1986-2007); Assistant US Attorney (1983-86); Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, Arlington County, VA (1980-83)
  • Alma Mater: Denison University (B.A., 1970), George Washington University (JD, 1973)
  • DC Office: 99 New York Ave. NE, Room 5S 144, Washington, DC 20226
  • Web site
 

Path to Power

Melson spent two years in private practice before moving to the Commonwealth's Attorney for Arlington County, Va., where he served as assistant, chief assistant and deputy commonwealth's attorney from 1975 to 1983.

He then became a federal prosecutor, working in the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of Virginia as an assistant U.S. attorney and first assistant U.S. attorney.

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The Issues

Melson's appointment came as the Obama administration increased its efforts to reduce violence and gun traffic on the U.S.'s border with Mexico.

Since then, he's overseen the implementation of new teams of agents to identify illegal traffickers and dismantle trafficking networks and was involved in an August 2009 agreement with his Mexican counterparts to better interdict gun traffickers who move weapons to Mexico's drug cartels.

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The Network

Melson has worked with DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert S. Mueller in operations against the Mexican drug cartels.

 

Campaign Contributions

Melson hasn't made any campaign contributions, according to political finance databases.

 

Additional Resources

  1. Isikoff, Michael. "ATF Has No Head 15 Months Into Obama Presidency." Newsweek.com, April 17, 2010.
  2. "Statement of Kenneth E. Melson, Deputy Director Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies"
  3. Zagorin, Adam. "Why Were These U.S. Attorneys Fired?" Time.com, March 7, 2007
  4. Johnson, Carrie. "Holder Begins Justice Revamp." washingtonpost.com, April 9, 2009.
  5. Bensman, Todd. "Keeping Weapons Away from Mexican Drug Cartels." PajamasMedia, August 30, 2009.
  6. "About ATF - Executive Staff." www.atf.gov
  7. "Attorney General Eric Holder Names New Leadership for ATF, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and Office of Professional Responsibility." April 8, 2009. www.justice.gov.
  8. "American Cross-border Gun Traffic Fuels Mexican Drug-related Violence." PBS NewsHour Online, June 16, 2009.
  9. Kay, Julie. Federal prosecutors urge Obama to retain key incumbent attorneys, avoid wholesale firing. Law.com, Jan. 7, 2009.