Send in the AUSAs

United States Attorney Laura Duffy, who has been waging a lengthy war against medical marijuana in San Diego — along with the city’s current mayor — is calling for reinforcements. During last year’s campaign, the Obama appointee gave money to the cause of GOP mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio and publically dissed his opponent, congressman Bob Filner. It was said that Duffy and more than a few of her prosecutors feared that the liberal Democrat would turn San Diego into Amsterdam West. Whether or not her latest move can be laid to the subsequent triumph of Filner — who last week declared his own battle of sorts against the federal government on behalf of the pot parlors — or just a growing crime agenda here, Duffy is advertising for new help. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently seeking attorneys for a limited number of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions in the Criminal Division for both its San Diego and Imperial County offices,” says the job notice. “The Criminal Division caseload includes a large volume of drug and immigration cases, along with a variety of such other federal offenses as major narcotics cases involving Mexican drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, terrorism offenses, bank robberies, child pornography, postal theft, credit card fraud, murder for hire, counterfeiting, organized crime, money laundering, computer crimes, and other sophisticated white collar fraud offenses (such as defense procurement fraud, health care fraud and environmental fraud).”

Newbies need not apply: “Applicants must currently be an Assistant United States Attorney serving on a permanent appointment and must have at least two years of relevant legal experience with [the] Department of Justice, with most successful candidates having more than two years’ experience.” And job seekers will have to get to town on their own: “Relocation expenses will not be paid.” Applications are due January 18.