Steven Reich To Depart Justice Department

WASHINGTON -- Associate Deputy Attorney General Steven Reich, who has overseen the Justice Department's handling of congressional investigations into Fast and Furious and Aaron Swartz, will depart the Justice Department on April 1. Reich, formerly senior associate White House counsel for President Bill Clinton, joined the Justice Department in June 2011.

"I am grateful to Steve for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Department of Justice over the last two years," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement released by the Justice Department. "He has been an invaluable advisor to me on a range of subjects during his time at the Department. He has provided thoughtful counsel with grace and good humor and I wish him all the best as he and his family return to New York."

"No one at the Department is irreplaceable, but Steve comes close," Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole said in a statement. "He has served the Department with honor and dedication, and I have come to rely on his counsel. Steve has a well-earned reputation for his ability to navigate difficult issues with integrity, wit, and the appearance of ease, while instilling calm and confidence in those around him. I will miss Steve, but I know he will be successful in all future endeavors."