Joe Allen, a former federal prosecutor in Detroit, has been named acting Assistant Director of Public & Governmental Affairs for ATF in Washington, an agency that has had its share of public relations problems in wake of its Operation Fast and Furious.

Allen, who replaces Gregory K. Gant, will head up the division which includes media relations, legislative affairs and liaison work. Gant has moved to the Kansas City division as an assistant special agent in charge.

Allen has worked as a prosecutor in Detroit and a lawyer at the Department of Justice in Washington.

He is currently on loan to the ATF headquarters. His official assignment is general counsel for the ATF in the Detroit Division.