HOUSE OVERSIGHT 012673 05/16/2008 11:17 FAX 05/16/08 FRI 11:09 FAX IJ UO05/006 005 the case on the merits after jeopardy has attached." USAIVI 9-2.031(C). Our understanding is that the state case is still pending. As such, tehe procedural posture of the state case does not implicate the petite policy. We recognize that the petite policy could be triggered if the state case concluded after a federal indictment was issued but prior to the commencement of any federal trial. Id. However, the policy "does not apply ... where the [state] prosecution involved only a minor part of the contemplated federal charges." USAM 9-2.031(B). Based on our understanding of the possible federal charges and existing state charges, we do not think the petite policy would be an issue should federal proceedings take place. Federalism and Prosecutorial Discretion. All of the above issues essentially ask whether a federal prosecution can proceed. We understand, however, that you also ask whether a federal prosecution should proceed, even in the event that all of the elements of a federal offense could be proven. On this issue, you raised two arguments: that the conduct at issue here is traditionally a state concern because the activity is entirely local, and that the typical prosecution under federal child exploitation statutes have different facts than the ones implicated here. You have essentially asked us to look into whether a prosecution would so violate federal prosecutorial policy that a United States Attorney's Office should not pursue a prosecution. We do not think that is the case here for the following reasons. Simply, the commercial sexual exploitation of children is a federal concern, even when the conduct is local, and regardless of whether the defendant provided the child (the "pimp") or paid for the child (the `John"). In your materials, you refer to a letter sent by the Department of Justice to Congress in which the Department expresses concern over