United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh Announces Departure at Year’s End

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – United States Attorney Chris Kavanaugh released the following 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. 

Serving as United States Attorney has been the highlight of my professional life.  I am grateful to President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and Senators Warner and Kaine for the opportunity to serve as the chief federal law enforcement official for the Western District of Virginia, and to lead an Office full of public servants dedicated to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice."

As the United States Attorney since October 2021, Kavanaugh has supervised the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters in which the United States has an interest within the Western District of Virginia, which comprises 52 counties and 17 independent cities in Virginia.  

In addition to being United States Attorney, Kavanaugh also serves on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), chair of the AGAC’s National Security Subcommittee, co-chair of the Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee, and as a member of the Corporate Crime Enforcement Policy Working Group.  Prior to becoming United States Attorney, Kavanaugh was Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General and served as an Assistant United States Attorney for 14 years in both Charlottesville, Virginia and Washington, D.C.