ATF Chief Quitting for Private-Sector Job

The director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives plans to step down, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

B. Todd Jones, who previously was a U.S. attorney in the Obama administration, plans to work in the private sector, the Journal reported. He is taking a job in New York City, possibly with a professional sports league, ABC News reports.

Jones took charge of the agency in 2011.

"I will truly miss leading and working side by side with these men and women in their pursuit of ATF’s unique law-enforcement and regulatory mission," Jones said in announcing his decision to leave the agency at the end of the month.

The ATF sparked controversy last month with a proposal to ban some .223-caliber bullets, which the ATF warned can break through a supposedly bullet-proof vest. A public outcry and pressure from lawmakers prompted ATF to abandon its plans.