The FBI's named a cybercrime and terrorism expert to head its operations in central and southern Illinois.

A Monday statement says FBI Director Robert Mueller appointed David A. Ford as special agent in charge of the Springfield office. It oversees operations everywhere in the state except Chicago and northern Illinois.

Ford most recently served as chief of the agency's cyber intelligence section, where he organized the analysis of cyber terrorism, Internet fraud and other high-tech crimes.

During his nearly 20-year FBI career, Ford's held posts in the United States and overseas. While based in East Africa and South Asia, he took part in multiple terrorism investigations.

The acting special agent in charge of the Springfield office has been Emmerson Buie. The FBI didn't say when Ford officially takes over.