Virginia is currently without permanent U.S. Attorneys for both its Eastern and Western Districts after Christopher Kavanaugh and Jessica Aber, both appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, resigned within a month of each other. Their departures have raised questions about leadership continuity in the state’s federal justice system.
Christopher Kavanaugh Steps Down as U.S. Attorney for Western District
In August 2024, Christopher R. Kavanaugh announced his resignation as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He cited personal reasons, primarily his wife’s new role as a U.S. District Court Judge.
Kavanaugh explained his decision in an official statement:
“Today, I am announcing my plans to resign from my position as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia effective at year’s end, following the commencement of my wife Jasmine Hyejung Yoon’s service as a United States District Court Judge this September. During this brief period of overlap, any cases in which the United States is a party, including all criminal matters, will be assigned to the other judges within the Western District of Virginia in accordance with the Court’s standing order for assignment of cases.”
The Department of Justice later confirmed that his resignation took effect on December 20, 2024.
Zachary Lee Appointed as Interim U.S. Attorney
Following Kavanaugh’s departure, Zachary T. Lee, who previously served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, was appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District on December 21, 2024.
Kavanaugh expressed his confidence in Lee’s leadership:
“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 United States Attorney. There is nobody more qualified to serve in this role, and I look forward to watching the United States Attorney’s Office continue to thrive and serve the citizens of the Western District of Virginia under his leadership.”
Jessica Aber Resigns as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District
Just weeks after Kavanaugh’s resignation, Jessica D. Aber, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), announced her resignation. Her last day in office was January 20, 2025.
Unlike Kavanaugh, Aber did not cite a specific reason for her departure. However, in a public statement, she reflected on her time in office:
“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. Concluding my service to the District as its U.S. Attorney has been an honor beyond measure.”
A report by The Washington Post noted that U.S. Attorneys typically step down or offer their resignation when a new president takes office. However, Aber did not confirm whether this was the reason behind her exit.
Erik Siebert Sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney
With Aber’s resignation, Erik S. Siebert was appointed as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He was sworn in on January 21, 2025.
Siebert is a veteran prosecutor known for his expertise in violent crime, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and public corruption cases. The Department of Justice praised his experience and highlighted that he has received multiple awards for his work.
At present, no official photo of Siebert has been released.
What’s Next for Virginia’s U.S. Attorney Positions?
With both top federal prosecutor positions in Virginia vacant within a short span, the Department of Justice will need to appoint permanent replacements. The new attorneys will oversee crucial federal cases, including criminal prosecutions, civil rights enforcement, and high-profile investigations.
For now, Zachary Lee and Erik Siebert will lead their respective districts, ensuring that operations continue without disruption.
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