Joel Thompson is a seasoned Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey (USAO-DNJ), specializing in public corruption cases. He has led the Public Corruption Unit, handling high-profile prosecutions that tackle entrenched political graft in a state notorious for scandals involving bribery, pay-to-play schemes, and abuse of office. His tenure includes high-stakes trials resulting in convictions of elected officials and their associates, contributing significantly to accountability in New Jersey politics. Notable cases include the 2014 prosecution of former Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, convicted on charges of bribery and honest services wire fraud for accepting over $175,000 in kickbacks (U.S. v. Smith), and the 2013 guilty plea of former state Assemblyman Albert Coutinho to corruption charges related to accepting bribes for official actions. Thompson's work has been covered extensively in outlets like The Star-Ledger and NJ.com, highlighting his role in dismantling networks of influence between politicians and contractors. He remains active in USAO-DNJ, focusing on ongoing investigations into public integrity violations. No public records detail his personal background, education, or family, consistent with the low-profile nature of career DOJ attorneys.