WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft today announced that Charles A. James, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, will step down from his position to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

"Charles James has been a valued asset to the Department of Justice," said Ashcroft. "He is a man of the utmost integrity and fairness. He has been a dedicated and tireless advocate for consumers and for competition, and he will be missed. I thank him for his long service to the Department and to our nation. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

James, unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on June 14, 2001, will become Vice President and General Counsel of Chevron Texaco Corporation. He is expected to assume his new duties later this year.

"It has been an honor to serve the Department of Justice under strong and solid leadership," said James. "I am grateful for the opportunity Attorney General Ashcroft has afforded me, and look forward to my future endeavor which provides me with a unique personal and professional experience."

As head of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, James oversaw the enforcement of antitrust laws, which are designed to protect economic freedom and opportunity by promoting competition in the American marketplace. The Antitrust Division is committed to prosecuting violations of the antitrust laws, as well as to ensuring that the Division's efforts to preserve competition do not impose unnecessary costs on the American businesses and consumers it seeks to benefit.

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