Fed prosecutor forms civil rights unit for western, Pa.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Saying it is “hard to believe in 2010 that we are still fighting for equality for all Americans,” U.S. Attorney David Hickton of Pittsburgh has announced the creation of a five-attorney civil rights unit in his office.

With today’s announcement, Hickton’s office becomes one of more than a dozen nationwide to have created a division dedicated solely to investigating and bringing to trial civil rights abuses.

Hickton’s move is in line with President Barack Obama’s increased emphasis on civil rights and related crimes.

The attorneys in his office also will target sexual exploitation and human trafficking crimes, too.