Bear Stearns Case Means Higher Profile for Young Prosecutor
A federal prosecutor nicknamed “Dangerous Opie” is likely to have a higher profile now that he is handling the case of two Bear Stearns hedge fund managers considered to be the first executives prosecuted in connection with the subprime mortgage meltdown.
An extensive Slate profile of Benton Campbell says the fresh-faced young redhead is an unusual combination of hard-charging law enforcer and genuine nice-guy personality. A relative unknown in the ranks of those who handle big-ticket prosecutions, he has, however, had leadership roles in the Violent Criminal Enterprises unit and the Criminal Division, as well as the Enron Task Force that handled the proseuction of that case.
“A reporter who covered the Enron broadband case told me that in the courtroom Campbell’s questioning lacked passion and was plodding and dull, but he was well-prepared and meticulous with his work,” writes reporter Chadwick Matlin. “Campbell, though, probably won’t make it into the courtroom—assistant U.S. attorneys will most likely argue the case instead.”
As discussed in earlier ABAJournal.com posts, the Bear Stearns managers are accused of having misled investors about the financial condition of a hedge fund that had invested heavily in subprime mortgages.
Related Coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Attorneys Among 406 Indicted in Operation Malicious Mortgage”
ABAJournal.com: “New FBI Targets: Real Estate Brokers”
ABAJournal.com: “Will Prosecutors Get Help From ‘Toast’ E-Mail by Bear Stearns Manager?”
Updated at 3:10 p.m. to add related coverage.
