U.S. Attorney in Gotti Case to Quit His Job

The federal prosecutor who helped put mob boss John Gotti behind bars announced Wednesday that he is resigning from his post.

“It’s a tough job to leave,” said Andrew J. Maloney, U.S. attorney in Brooklyn for six years. “It’s really a fun job.”

Maloney, 61, said that today would be his last day. He said he would join a large law firm as a partner next week. He would not identify the firm.

Mary Jo White, Maloney’s chief assistant since March, 1990, will serve as interim U.S. attorney. President-elect Bill Clinton will have to nominate someone to the position next year.

Maloney was appointed by President Ronald Reagan on the recommendation of Sen. Alfonse M. D’Amato (R-N.Y.). The post usually is held for four years, but Maloney said the Justice Department asked him to stay on to finish several cases, including Gotti’s.

Under Maloney’s leadership, prosecutors have convicted and jailed for life both Gotti, the boss of the Gambino organized crime family, and Vittorio Amuso, the Lucchese family boss. A third alleged crime boss is on trial and a fourth is under indictment.

Maloney’s office also prosecuted the Beech-Nut Corp. for selling fake apple juice for babies, the Hertz Corp. for overcharging customers involved in accidents and Eastern Airlines for falsifying maintenance and safety records.