Jim Letten, the longest serving U.S. attorney in the country, resigned from his position on Thursday. Top federal prosecutors in Letten's office wrote anonymous comments about ongoing court cases on NOLA.com. Attorney General Eric Holder appointed Dana J. Boente to serve as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“As the longest-serving U.S. Attorney in the country today, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people of his district and the nation by working tirelessly to make their communities safer through reducing violent crime, fighting public corruption and protecting their civil rights," Holder said in a statement. "He has been a valued partner, dedicated public servant and a good friend, and I am grateful for his service to the department over these many years.”

The DOJ also appointed federal prosecutor John Horn of Georgia to investigate the anonymous comments as well as leaks to the media during the Danzinger Bridge case. The probe was ordered by U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt.

This post has been updated.