Peter Neronha confirmed as RI’s federal prosecutor

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate has confirmed Peter Neronha as Rhode Island’s next top federal prosecutor.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, who recommended Neronha for U.S. attorney in May, announced his unanimous confirmation on Tuesday.

Neronha will replace Robert Clark Corrente, who served in the position for more than four years and led an investigation into State House corruption called Operation Dollar Bill. He returned to private practice after President Barack Obama took office.

Neronha has been an assistant U.S. attorney since 2002 and previously worked in the state attorney general’s office and in private practice. He prosecutes drug cases, organized crime and public corruption.

Reed and Whitehouse said Neronha has the respect of the state’s legal and law enforcement community.