Attorney General Applauds Governor's Appointment of Matthew Cate as Inspector General

Tuesday, March 9, 2004
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today issued the following statement regarding Governor Schwarzenegger's appointment of Deputy Attorney General Matthew Cate as Inspector General:

"The Governor's appointment of Matt Cate as Inspector General demonstrates to me that he's serious about good oversight of California's prison and parole system. Matt is one of the state's most gifted prosecutors and an ethical person of the highest integrity. While serving two attorneys general of different political parties he has consistently proven to be a tireless investigator committed to public service and public accountability. The Inspector General faces enormous challenges as the state's primary official responsible for ensuring high standards of conduct by the state employees who manage and operate our prison system. Matt's track record and commitment to justice without fear or favor makes me confident that he will help build and maintain public trust and faith in California's corrections system."
Matt Cate has worked in the California Attorney General's Criminal Law Division since 1996. During the Lockyer administration, Matt has been assigned some of the state's most visible and complicated public integrity investigations. Among others, Matt has led investigations involving the administration of former Insurance Commissioner Charles Quackenbush and the Oracle Enterprise License Agreement negotiated during Governor Gray Davis' administration. Matt has successfully argued cases before the California Supreme Court and numerous appellate and trial courts as well. As a recognized expert on public corruption law and criminal investigations, Matt has also instructed district attorney staff and peace officers on public corruption, economic fraud and search and seizure issues.

Prior to joining the Attorney General's office, Matt served as a Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney (1994-96) and also worked in the Sacramento law firm of Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rowher (1992-94). Matt received his law degree from the University of Oregon.

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