President Joe Biden recently announced his intention to nominate Colonel John E. Richardson, the executive assistant to Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., as the next United States marshal for the Middle District of Alabama, headquartered in Montgomery.
Richardson, a distinguished law enforcement veteran with a career spanning 35 years, expressed gratitude for the nomination.
“It is an absolute honor just to be considered, much less nominated by the president of the United States, to this critical crime-fighting position. My 35 years in the field of policing and leadership positions in law enforcement pale in comparison to being nominated to this new position, and I consider it the crowning glory of my career.”
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Richardson will succeed Jesse Seroyer, Jr., who was appointed by former President Donald J. Trump in March 2018.
Seroyer previously served as U.S. marshal for the Middle District of Alabama under President George W. Bush.
The Middle District of Alabama comprises 23 counties, stretching from Randolph County in the north to Houston County in the south.
Richardson’s responsibilities will include overseeing criminal investigations, fugitive apprehension, tactical operations, executing federal court orders and ensuring the security and protection of the United States Courts.
Richardson’s law enforcement journey began in his hometown, Opelika, where he served as a patrol officer with the Opelika Police Department.
He later joined the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board’s Enforcement Division, rising to the rank of captain and assistant director of the Enforcement Division.
In 2014, he was appointed as colonel and director of public safety for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (Alabama State Troopers) by Governor Robert Bentley, playing a pivotal role in consolidating Alabama’s law enforcement statewide.
In a press release from the White House, officials noted Richardson’s dedication to enforcing the law and pursuing justice.
“This official will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and was chosen for his devotion to enforcing the law, his professionalism, his experience and credentials, and his dedication to pursuing equal justice for all,” White House officials wrote.
Richardson’s nomination is part of President Biden’s broader effort to nominate qualified individuals to serve as U.S. Marshals, with Richardson being one of 27 nominees announced.
Despite the new opportunity presented by President Biden, Richardson expressed pride in his tenure at Alabama State University, reflecting on the rewarding experiences of working closely with President Ross and contributing to the university’s mission of educational excellence and community impact.
“Alabama State University is America’s oldest state-sponsored HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) and is where the civil rights movement was created just after Rosa Parks’ arrest,” Richardson remarked. “Alabama State is a school where history is made. I greatly appreciate the opportunity that both President Ross and Alabama State have given me — ASU has helped me grow!”
