Greeneville (AP) -- After almost 30 years as a federal prosecutor in East Tennessee, Assistant US Attorney Guy W. Blackwell Junior will retire Wednesday.

In his post, Blackwell helped investigate federal crimes, decided whether the charges would be presented to a federal grand jury and prosecuted individuals.

The 59-year-old Johnson City native started his career in 1978 at Greeneville's Old Federal Courthouse, formerly a Post Office.

Blackwell's interest in law and public service developed from his father, the late Guy Blackwell, who was elected to the Johnson City Commission and as the Washington County Property Assessor.

The junior Blackwell attended law school at Memphis State University. He practiced three years in a private firm before joining the US Department of Justice in East Tennessee.

Copyright 2007 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.