Department of Justice Awards Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office More Than $700,000 to Cross-Designate Prosecutor

BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz announce that the District Attorney’s Office (PCDAO) has been awarded $701,581 through the FY 2026 OJP Special Attorney’s Grant Program. As a result of the grant award, a state prosecutor will be designated as a Special United States Attorney (SAUSA) to work on cross-designated matters on multi-jurisdictional crimes including fraud, drug crimes, human trafficking, and criminal immigration matters. The grant will foster continued coordination on federal cases, increase enforcement and prosecution and enhance working relationships in Plymouth County. The Bureau of Justice Assistance administers that grant program and selected PCDAO as one of 30 grantees across the country. This grant program supports state, local, Tribal and territorial prosecuting agencies to assign or hire qualified prosecutors to serve full-time or part-time as Special Attorneys under the direction of the National Fraud Enforcement Division or the Criminal Division, or to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys within a United States Attorney’s Office. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has a longstanding, collaborative relationship with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office in advancing public safety. This grant will strengthen that existing foundation, allowing us to act as a force multiplier for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, to bring more cases and stronger investigations. Tim Cruz has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing crime, seeking justice on behalf of crime victims and promoting safer communities. He has been a valued law enforcement partner, supporting shared values, initiatives and public safety priorities. This funding will strengthen our offices’ ability to bring even more worthy federal cases to protect our communities,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “I am so pleased that the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office was selected and I am confident that the more than 540,000 residents of Plymouth County will benefit greatly from the grant and our shared mission, to serve and protect.” “This is an exciting opportunity, and we are committed to enhancing our working relationship with U.S. Attorney Foley, and all their federal law enforcement partners. One of the grant’s objectives will be to coordinate federal cases originating in Plymouth County, to increase enforcement and prosecutions, and to enhance the working relationship with immigration authorities to ensure that undocumented immigrants accused of state crimes in Plymouth County are prosecuted. We have already selected an experienced prosecutor to assign to this new role, and I am proud that our offices are able to work together successfully and collaborate to protect public safety in our communities,” said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. This multi-year federal grant will fund a Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney (ADA) to be appointed as Special Assistant United States Attorney who will be housed at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston. The SAUSA will work as a federal prosecutor and will be supervised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. More information regarding the FY26 Special Attorney’s Program can be found here: https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/OJP-FY26-Special-Attorneys-Program