Mr. David L. Benton Named Deputy Director
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

WASHINGTON - Today, Director Bradley Buckles announced that on January 9, 2002, Secretary Paul O'Neill appointed Mr. David L. Benton to the position of Deputy Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, Mr. Benton comes to the position as deputy from his previous position as head of ATF's Field Operations where he was the principal assistant to the Director and Deputy Director in policy and execution of ATF's enforcement programs. He had direct authority over 23 field divisions for ATF's criminal enforcement and regulatory programs.

In 1994, Mr. Benton was appointed Deputy Associate Director (Law Enforcement). In 1995, he became the Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division and in July 1998 he returned to Washington as the Assistant Director of Liaison and Public Information. In August 2000, Mr. Benton assumed the position as Assistant Director, Field Operations.

Among Mr. Benton's many career highlights, assignments include the staff of the Associate Director (Law Enforcement), Washington, DC; Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City, Missouri; Special Agent in Charge, Resources Branch, Washington, DC; Chief Intelligence Division, Washington, DC, and Chief, Planning and Analysis Division, Washington, DC.

Mr. Benton received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Detroit. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.