Special Attorney

Who We Are With a statewide staff of more than 800 auditors and other professionals, the Auditor of State's (AOS) office is responsible for auditing all public entities in Ohio, (nearly 6,000 divisions). This includes state agencies, cities, counties, villages, townships and schools. The legal mandate of the AOS also requires investigation of fraud in the public sector of Ohio. This is handled by the AOS Special Investigations Unit (SIU) which brings together the disciplines of forensic accounting, fraud investigation, and attorneys with experience in white-collar criminal prosecution to investigate government fraud. The SIU Division is partnering with the United States Justice Department to expand its prosecutorial footprint. What You'll Do The Ohio Auditor of State is seeking experienced prosecutors to serve in a cross-designated federal prosecutorial role through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Special Attorneys Program. This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable federal prosecutorial experience while remaining a state employee and continuing participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). Working under the direction of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the DOJ Criminal Division, or a U.S. Attorney’s Office, selected attorneys will investigate and prosecute criminal activity in the public sector. Assigned case work may include cases involving drug trafficking and human trafficking. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to federal law enforcement efforts, pursue individuals who exploit public programs and other systems, and strengthen coordination between state and federal authorities. As a Special Prosecutor, your duties may include, but are not limited to: Investigating and prosecuting assigned fraud cases and other criminal offenses within the scope of the program. Developing criminal cases through evidence review, legal research, investigative coordination, and case preparation. Preparing and litigating criminal matters in coordination with federal prosecutorial authorities. Coordinating with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal activity. Supporting coordinated case identification, referral, and review processes to improve the effectiveness of criminal investigations and prosecutions. Participating in multijurisdictional enforcement efforts, including matters involving drug trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations, as assigned. Working with federal partners to advance investigations, strengthen prosecutorial capacity, and support effective enforcement of applicable criminal laws. Additional Information This position is supported through the U.S. Department of Justice’s FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program, which provides funding for 100 percent of the salary and fringe benefits of assigned Special Attorneys and Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs), subject to the terms of the award. The program anticipates a 36-month award period. Continued participation in the position will be subject to applicable state employment requirements, federal appointment requirements, funding availability, and the terms of the cross-designation agreement. The selected attorneys will remain an employee of the Ohio Auditor of State while serving in the role. Participation in OPERS and other employment benefits will be governed by applicable eligibility requirements and agency policies. Appointment as a Special Attorney or SAUSA is contingent upon satisfactory pre-appointment review, which may include security clearance procedures, drug testing, fingerprinting, tax compliance review, a credit check, and a background investigation. Attorneys must maintain the required qualifications and satisfy applicable federal appointment requirements.