Jim Lewis, '66, to Retire as U.S. Attorney in December

Jim Lewis, the U.S. attorney for the central district of Illinois since 2010, is stepping down from that post as of Dec. 24.

"I've been honored and priveledged to serve," Lewis said. "I think it's time in my life and time for the district that someone else step forward."

Lewis, 76, was chief of the civil division in the office when nominated by President Barack Obama to be the top prosecutor in the 46- county district, which spans from Indiana on the east to Iowa and Missouri on the west. A Springfield resident, he oversees more than 30 attorneys who prosecute criminal and civil cases from offices in the capital city as well as Peoria, Urbana, and Rock Island.

Patrick Hansen, the first assistant attorney general, will take over on an interim basis once Lewis retires, and until the next president appoints someone, subject to Senate confirmation.

Lewis and his wife, Arden Lang, have three children and two grandchildren.

"I plan to remain in the community and to remain involved in issues of social justice," Lewis said.

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