Troncoso gets nod to remain U.S. marshal

Benjamin Grove

Monday, Feb. 12, 2001 | 11:09 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., in his first political appointment today will recommend that Jose Troncoso continue as Nevada's U.S. marshal, even though Troncoso was appointed by the state's senior Democrat in Congress, Sen. Harry Reid. Ensign scheduled a news conference for today in the marshal's office in Las Vegas for the announcement.

Ensign interviewed more than 12 candidates, according to an Ensign press release.

"In the last four years as federal marshal, (Troncoso) has exhibited exemplary professionalism and leadership both on the job and in his community," Ensign said in a written statement.

President Bush and the Senate must approve Ensign's recommendation of Troncoso; both approvals are expected. Troncoso, 48, formerly a North Las Vegas deputy police chief, took the position in November 1997.

"He was the right choice then and the right choice now," Ensign said.

Because a Republican serves as president, Ensign, as the state's only Republican senator, has the privilege of recommending political appointments, including U.S. attorney and federal judges. There are two federal district court judge positions open. Ensign has not said whom he would recommend for those spots, or if he would retain U.S. Attorney Kathryn Landreth, another Reid appointee.

The U.S. Marshal's Service is responsible for protecting the federal courts, transporting federal prisoners, pursuing and arresting federal fugitives, protecting endangered federal witnesses and managing materials seized in federal crimes.