PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced today the appointment of two new Assistant U.S. Attorneys to the Criminal Division.
Alison Bittl , of Rhode Island, joins the office after serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General since 2017. In that role, she managed a significant felony caseload in Providence County Superior Court, handling cases from charging through disposition. She presented matters to the grand jury and conducted bail, violation and suppression hearings, and trials. Bittl also responded to major crime scenes, including shooting and homicides, and provided guidance to local police departments on charging decisions, search and arrest warrants, and capital offense bail matters.
Bittl has served as an instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy since 2023 and the Rhode Island State Police Academy, where she designs and teaches criminal procedure and law curriculum. She previously worked as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Providence. Bittl holds a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Boston University. She is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island.
Arthur T. DeFelice , of Rhode Island, joins the office after serving as a Special Assistant Attorney General, where he prosecuted criminal matters through all phases of prosecution, from investigation and grand jury proceedings through trial and post-trial litigation. He has extensive experience managing complex investigations, preparing witnesses, leading multidisciplinary teams, and litigating pretrial motions.
DeFelice serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve Judge Advocate Corps, providing legal guidance on investigations, risk mitigation, ethics compliance, and operational matters. His prior military assignments include senior intelligence roles and service as Aide‑de‑Camp to the Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where he coordinated engagements with domestic and international partners.
DeFelice previously worked in civil litigation and served as a law clerk with the Rhode Island Superior Court. DeFelice holds a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law, a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the George Washington University. He is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
“These are two prosecutors who have already distinguished themselves through demanding public service,” said the First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Alison brings deep experience in violent crime and frontline prosecutorial work in our state’s busiest courts, and Arthur adds extensive courtroom, investigative, and military leadership experience. Their skill sets are different but complementary, and together they will strengthen the work of our Criminal Division.”
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Rhode Island — U.S. Department of Justice press release.