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Montana U.S. Attorney to Head American Indian Advisory Panel

Michael Cotter has been chosen to head a committee of about 30 U.S. attorneys from Indian Country who advise Attorney General Eric Holder

By Justin Franz

HELENA — Montana U.S. Attorney Michael Cotter has been chosen to head a committee of about 30 U.S. attorneys from Indian Country who advise Attorney General Eric Holder on policy and issues.

Holder appointed Cotter as chairman of the Native American Issues Subcommittee earlier this week.

Cotter says his role will last through 2016 and during that time he’ll focus on prison re-entry programs, crime prevention and sexual assault prosecution on reservations under U.S. attorneys’ jurisdiction.

He also says all U.S. attorneys need to address alcohol abuse on reservations and provide the opportunity for treatment.

Cotter has served on the subcommittee since 2009 and replaces North Dakota U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon as chair. New Mexico U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez will serve as subcommittee vice chair.