Colorado U.S. Attorney To Chair Key Federal Panel

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's top federal prosecutor is becoming the head of a crucial federal panel.

U.S. Attorney John Walsh will chair the Attorney General's Advisory committee. That is the group that advises the nation's top law enforcement officer on key policy and management issues. The current chair of the panel, Loretta Lynch, has been nominated to become the new Attorney General.

Walsh had already served on the panel and chaired the subcommittee dedicated to sorting out how federal prosecutors should handle medical marijuana. The new appointment means Walsh will have a key role in Justice Department policy as Colorado enters its second year of legalized recreational marijuana.