Virginia is now without permanent U.S. Attorneys for both its Eastern and Western Districts after Christopher Kavanaugh and Jessica Aber resigned within a month of each other. Both were appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Their sudden departures have left a temporary leadership gap in the state’s legal system.

Christopher Kavanaugh Resigns as Western District U.S. Attorney

Christopher R. Kavanaugh, who served as the U.S. Attorney for Virginia’s Western District, announced his resignation in August 2024. He stated that his wife’s appointment as a U.S. District Court Judge was the main reason behind his decision to step down.

In his official statement, Kavanaugh explained that he would resign by the end of the year, following his wife Jasmine Hyejung Yoon’s swearing-in as a United States District Court Judge in September. He assured that during the transition, all ongoing criminal cases and other legal matters involving the U.S. government would be reassigned to other judges in the Western District, as per the court’s standard procedures.

The Department of Justice later confirmed that his resignation officially took effect on December 20, 2024.

Zachary Lee Takes Over as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District

Following Kavanaugh’s departure, Zachery T. Lee, who had been serving as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia on December 21, 2024.

Kavanaugh expressed confidence in his successor, stating, “For two decades, Zach Lee has served the Western District of Virginia with honor, distinction, and dedication as an Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Chief, and most recently as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. There is nobody more qualified to serve in this role.”

With his extensive experience, Lee is expected to lead the office efficiently until a permanent U.S. Attorney is appointed.

Jessica Aber Steps Down as Eastern District U.S. Attorney

Jessica D. Aber, who was serving as the U.S. Attorney for Virginia’s Eastern District, also announced her resignation in January 2025. Her departure was effective from January 20—the same day as the presidential inauguration.

In her resignation statement, Aber did not provide a specific reason for stepping down but expressed gratitude for having served in the position.

“I’ve had the privilege of spending my career as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia working alongside talented, hard-working public servants who manage matters affecting citizens here and across the world,” she said. “Concluding my service to the District as its U.S. Attorney has been an honor beyond measure.”

Just days before she resigned, The Washington Post published an interview with her. While the article did not give an exact reason for her resignation, it noted that it is common for the country’s 93 U.S. Attorneys to step down or offer their resignations when a new president takes office.

Aber also did not reveal her future career plans after leaving the Eastern District of Virginia.

Erik Siebert Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District

Following Aber’s resignation, Erik S. Siebert, who was serving as Deputy Criminal Supervisor for the Richmond Division, was sworn in as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District on January 21, 2025.

Siebert is a seasoned prosecutor with extensive experience in handling violent crime, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and public corruption cases. According to the Department of Justice, he has received multiple awards for his legal work.

With Siebert now leading the Eastern District and Zachary Lee in the Western District, both offices are in temporary hands until permanent appointments are made.

The resignations of two U.S. Attorneys in such a short period have raised concerns about continuity and leadership in Virginia’s federal legal system. The Biden administration is expected to nominate replacements soon to ensure stability in both districts.

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