Bill Powell sworn in as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bill Powell has taken the formal oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia in a special ceremony today in Martinsburg. U.S. Attorney Powell was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 3, 2017. Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Powell before family, friends and colleagues.

“I am humbled and honored to have been appointed and confirmed as the United States Attorney.  I have a great team of lawyers and staff, and I look forward to working with all of them on the issues facing our district.   I will work as hard as I can to justify the confidence placed in me,” said U.S. Attorney Powell.

The Investiture Ceremony, held at the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Martinsburg, was attended by former United States Attorneys, Federal Judges, lawmakers, colleagues, staff, and Powell’s family and friends. Student representatives from Burke Street Elementary School in Martinsburg recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and were invited by U.S. Attorney Powell as honored guests. The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by U.S. Attorney Powell’s family.

As U.S. Attorney, Powell is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of West Virginia, which includes offices in Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins. He oversees a staff of 45 employees, including 21 attorneys and 24 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

U.S. Attorney Powell, a Martinsburg resident, was born in Manhasset, New York in 1960. He most recently served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He has also held positions as a member attorney at Jackson Kelly, PLLC, and an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

He received his J.D. in 1985 from the West Virginia University College of Law and his B.A. in 1982 from Salem College. He is a past president of the West Virginia Bar Association, past Member of the Board of Governors for the West Virginia State Bar, and has been active in numerous community and professional organizations.

He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 31 years, and they have raised three boys.