Nomination of Richard Bender Abell To Be an Assistant Attorney General

The President today announced his intention to nominate Richard Bender Abell to be an Assistant Attorney General (Office of Justice Programs). He would succeed Lois H. Herrington.

Since 1983 Mr. Abell has served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. From 1982 to 1983, he was Director of the Office of Program Development, Peace Corps. On January 10, 1985, Mr. Abell was appointed by the President to the Federal Prison Industries Board of Directors, serving as representative for the Attorney General. He served in the United States Army, 1st Air Cavalry Division, 1969-1971; and he received an Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Mr. Abell graduated from the George Washington University (B.A., 1966; J.D., 1974). He is married and has three children. Mr. Abell currently resides in Alexandria, VA. He was born December 2, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA.