Former Deputy Mayor Eileen Decker sworn in as U.S. attorney

Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Eileen Decker was sworn in Monday as the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.

The oath of office was administered by U.S. District Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell during a private ceremony, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

On June 11, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Decker’s appointment as the top prosecutor for a district that spans from Orange County to San Luis Obispo and has more than 19 million residents.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) recommended Decker’s appointment by President Obama, praising her qualifications as “impeccable.” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck and Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell supported Decker’s appointment.

Under Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, Decker served as deputy mayor for homeland security and public safety.

Before working in City Hall, Decker worked as a federal prosecutor for 15 years, becoming chief of the national security division.

Decker succeeds Andre Birotte Jr., who was appointed to the federal bench last year.

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