FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  2001-71

                              
   Steve Crimmins, Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel in the
    Division of Enforcement, Leaves the Commission After
                  Fourteen Years of Service

     Washington, DC, July 16, 2001 - Stephen J. Crimmins,
Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel in the Division of
Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
departed the Commission on Friday, July 13, 2001, after
fourteen years of service to become a partner in the
securities litigation practice group of Holland & Knight LLP
in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

     Mr. Crimmins, 52, became Deputy Chief Litigation
Counsel in 1993, after serving for six years as a trial
attorney in the Division of Enforcement.  During that time,
he co-managed the Division's Trial Unit over a period of
tremendous growth and change, and served as one of the
Division's senior executives.  He litigated and tried
numerous cases charging fraud and other violations of the
federal securities laws, and played a key role in the
Commission's enforcement actions against a number of well-
known entities, including Blinder Robinson & Co., Thomas
James Associates, Prudential Securities Incorporated, BT
Securities Corporation, and KPMG LLP.

     Richard H. Walker, the SEC's outgoing Director of
Enforcement, said, "Steve has been an Enforcement Division
treasure for many years.  He has litigated many significant
Commission actions and provided a steady hand in helping to
oversee the Division's litigation program.  His good cheer,
dedication, and deep knowledge have made him an invaluable
resource and a beloved figure throughout all of the SEC's
divisions and regional offices.  He will be greatly missed."

     The SEC Enforcement Division's Chief Litigation
Counsel, David L. Kornblau, added, "Legions of SEC
litigators and staff attorneys have long turned to Steve for
insightful, creative, practical, and prompt advice.  His
integrity, decency, and selfless devotion to public service
are legendary.  I am grateful to him for his friendship and
superb counsel, particularly during the last seven months
when he has been my partner in leading the Trial Unit."

     Mr. Crimmins said, "It has been a privilege to work
with the exceptional people who make up the SEC's
Enforcement Division.  Their enthusiasm, expertise, and
dedication to protecting investors have made this job truly
a joy for all of my fourteen years here.  Likewise, the new
initiatives launched by Commission and Division leadership
during my tenure have been exciting and professionally
satisfying for me."

     Before joining the Commission, Mr. Crimmins practiced
law with Lord, Day & Lord in New York City and with Bingham,
Dana & Gould in Boston.  He received his law degree from
Columbia University in 1973, and was Articles Editor of the
Columbia Journal of Law & Social Problems.  A native of
Brooklyn, he received his undergraduate degree from Fordham
University in 1970.


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