Federal prosecutor stepping down

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New York's top federal prosecutor is stepping down to pursue a new opportunity.

United States Attorney Terrance Flynn is stepping down.

Flynn said, "I have submitted my resignation to the White House and to the Department of Justice."

Flynn was nominated by President George Bush to fill the top federal prosecutor post in the area, a position he's held for three years.

Next Friday will be his last day on the job. Then it'll be up to Barack Obama to nominate a replacement once he takes office.

Flynn said, "I think it's very important that I give him that opportunity which is his right. And I do that by stepping down on Friday so he can start the process."

Flynn says his time in the Justice Department has been exhilarating.

Under his leadership the office has gone after health care fraud, and illegal international border activities, including the theft of intellectual property.

Flynn said, "We have to do everything in our power to protect american employees and employers, and that is by protecting their production, their rights, their intelligence."

Flynn says he's going back to private practice as a partner in the Harris Beach Law Firm, working mainly out of it's Buffalo office.

The Justice Department will likely name an interim U.S. Attorney to take over until the Senate approves a permanent replacement.