DOJ to close Superior field office

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Justice Department has decided to close its Superior field office to save money.

DOJ spokeswoman Dana Brueck says only Special Agent-in-Charge Jay Smith and one other agent have been working in the office after two other agents retired. She said DOJ officials haven’t decided when to shut down the office but Smith and the other agent will remain in the region, perhaps working out of a local sheriff’s department.

Brueck didn’t have any estimates on how much money closing the office might save but said it makes sense to have agents spread around the area. She said agency officials have removed Smith’s special agent-in-charge title and reduced his pay rate accordingly.

Jed Sperry, special agent-in-charge of DOJ’s Eau Claire field office, will now supervise the Superior region.