Stephen Da Ponte is an Assistant Chief in the Environmental Crimes Section of the United States Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. He is responsible for the supervision and management of the prosecution of criminal violations of United States environmental laws. Before becoming an Assistant Chief, Mr. Da Ponte served as a Senior Trial Attorney in the Section, where he prosecuted environmental criminal cases with a particular focus on maritime and related obstruction of justice offenses. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Da Ponte served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 6 years and the U.S. Coast Guard for 17 years. During his 23-year military career, he served in many roles, including as a judge advocate, a maritime law enforcement officer, and an intelligence officer. Mr. Da Ponte holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Park University, a Master of Science degree in International Relations from Troy University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

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