Walt Wilkins Nominated as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina
Walt Wilkins Nominated as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina
WASHINGTON – South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Jim DeMint today announced the nomination of Walt Wilkins of Greenville to serve as the next U.S. Attorney for South Carolina.
“I’m very pleased that President Bush has decided to nominate Walt Wilkins as the next U.S. Attorney for South Carolina,” said Senator Graham. “Walt is a fair-minded, bright individual who has the right experience for this important position. During his time as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Greenville Walt has earned the respect of the state’s law enforcement community. I know Walt will serve our state and nation with distinction. I hope the Senate Judiciary Committee acts quickly on his nomination.”
“Walt Wilkins has a strong record of protecting the people of South Carolina by enforcing the law and protecting their rights,” said Senator DeMint. “He comes from a family whose reputation for distinguished public service is extensive and well earned. President Bush has made an excellent decision to nominate Walt and he deserves prompt consideration by the Senate.”
The notable cases Wilkins has prosecuted as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Greenville include:
· United States of America v. James Byrd, et al. This case involved one of the largest mortgage fraud prosecutions in the upstate of South Carolina where the defendants defrauded more than 20 million dollars from numerous FDIC insured banks. The two leaders of the mortgage fraud scheme are serving 63 months each and have been ordered to pay over 5.5 million dollars in restitution.
· United States of America v. Billy Joe Hindman. This case involved a large-scale gambling operation which resulted in one of the largest forfeitures in the upstate of South Carolina. The defendant forfeited nine million dollars to the government.
· United States of America v. Eduardo Escobar, et al. This case involved human trafficking and prostitution which resulted in seven defendants pleading guilty to participating in an international human trafficking and prostitution ring.
Wilkins earned degrees from the University of South Carolina School of Law and Wofford College. Previous work experience include practicing law at Leatherwood, Walker, Todd & Mann, adjunct professor at Greenville Technical College, and Staff Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel of Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina.
Wilkins is married to Donyelle Burton Wilkins and has a daughter Mary Burton.
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