Mark A. Klaassen Sworn in as United States Attorney

CHEYENNE, WYOMING. –Mark A. Klaassen has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming. Klaassen was nominated by President Donald Trump on July 21, 2017, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017. Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson administered the oath of office.

Upon officially entering office, United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen said, "It is an honor to be confirmed as the next United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming. I am pleased to continue working with a talented group of colleagues, as well as our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Wyoming is a special place to live and raise a family. As United States Attorney, I am committed to sustaining efforts necessary to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.

We face many challenges in reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods, stemming the tide of illegal drugs and prescription opioid abuse affecting our communities, and protecting the most vulnerable in our society from exploitation. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will make a difference.

I appreciate the confidence placed in me by the President, as well as the support of Senators Enzi and Barrasso, and Congresswoman Cheney throughout the confirmation process. I look forward to serving the people of Wyoming."

As U.S. Attorney, Klaassen is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the District of Wyoming. He oversees a staff of 42 employees, including 17 attorneys and 25 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes occurring in the district, including crimes related to 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.

Prior to his nomination, Klaassen served for almost nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, where he worked on affirmative civil and financial litigation cases. During that time, he was also elected to the Board of Trustees for Laramie County School District Number One.

Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Klaassen was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Chief of Staff to the General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security from 2007 to 2009. Prior to that appointment, Klaassen worked as General Counsel for the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security from 2003 to 2007.

Klaassen began his career in Cheyenne as a law clerk for the Honorable Wade Brorby of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, and later joined the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP. He received his B.S. in Finance, summa cum laude, from Oral Roberts University and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School.

Klaassen has deep ties to Wyoming. He was raised in Gillette, where he attended public school and graduated in 1991. He and his wife Christy now reside in Cheyenne with their three children.