COVER UPDATE: Brief, but Bountiful

On Oct. 15, 2008, A. Brian Albritton was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for Florida's Middle District. It looks to be a short but very active tenure.

This past March, Review readers were introduced to a professional with a penchant for the philosophical — and a cyclist with Gulf Coast roots.

Albritton's legal efforts have primarily focused on the state's efforts to combat white-collar crimes in the area. In January 2009, the U.S. Attorney's office launched a
“Mortgage Fraud Surge,” which resulted in charges being brought against more than 100 defendants, alleging the fraudulent procurement of more than $400 million in loans.

The most impressive feature of that effort has been the speed with which cases are handled. Albritton says a process that normally takes two years was condensed into nine months. “It took a concerted effort,” he says.

Beyond his legal activities, Albritton's position carries with it some political implications, as well. After being the only one of 94 nationwide U.S. Attorneys appointed by George Bush to be retained by the Obama Administration, the next big issue is reinstatement.

To that end, Albritton has chosen not to apply. Part of the reason for that, he says, is because the application process is an involved one. “I didn't want to divert my energies,” he says.

Perhaps more importantly, Albritton seems less concerned with projecting his own future, and prefers focusing on his latest work. “Several months is a long time to me,” he says.

He's not sure when the next change will be made, but is “really proud” of what his team has been able to accomplish in the meantime. He also declined to pick a favorite of the three remaining finalists for his replacement. “They're all fine candidates,” he states.

As the professional and political details sort themselves out, Albritton has maintained an active interest in his number one hobby: cycling.

He's even purchased another bike for all his trips to Tallahassee, which he keeps there.

— Alex Walsh