Yates installed as N. Georgia chief federal prosecutor

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Georgia's legal elite crowded into a cramped courtroom in the federal courthouse to watch as Sally Quillian Yates was formally installed as north Georgia's new chief federal prosecutor.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder attended the Friday ceremony and said Yates "has the opportunity of a lifetime to deliver justice and improve the quality of life" in the community.

Rep. John Lewis, the Rev. Joseph Lowery and a long list of prominent judges, attorneys and legal experts attended.

One was Georgia Supreme Court Judge David Nahmias, who was Yates' predecessor in the office. He called her "the steel magnolia of federal prosecutors."

Yates said she relished the opportunity. She said the office planned to launch programs to stem juvenile crimes and reduce recidivism rates.