US Attorney William McSwain Announces Resignation

Philadelphia PA

14 January, 2021

10:29 AM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has announced his resignation. U.S. Attorney William McSwain said in an announcement Thursday that he will be leaving his position later this month. Eastern District of Pennsylvania serves nearly six million in Philadelphia and its eight surrounding counties. McSwain, who held the position since April 6, 2018, will resign effectively on Jan. 22. He took over the job after Obama appointee Zane David Memeger left the position and was appointed by President Donald Trump. "I want to thank President Trump for appointing me as U.S. Attorney, Senators Toomey and Casey for recommending me for the position, and Attorneys General Barr and Sessions for leading the Department of Justice during my service," McSwain said. "I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as U.S. Attorney in the District in which I have lived most of my life, in the City in which I was born, and in the Office where I learned to be a trial lawyer as an Assistant U.S. Attorney." During his tenure, McSwain focused on prosecuting repeat offenders of violent crime in the Philadelphia region, public corruption, drug trafficking, and more. "My overriding focus as U.S. Attorney was on pursuing justice in order to protect the community. I gave this job all that I had – all day, every day," he said. "While we've had many significant accomplishments during my tenure, the credit for these successes belongs to the hardworking, dedicated professionals at the U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners. For an attorney, there is no greater professional privilege than to represent the United States of America. I will miss it dearly." McSwain launched the Project Safe Neighborhood. The project focused on areas that police statistics identify as "hot spots" for violent crime and drug trafficking in Philadelphia. McSwain will be returning to private law practice in Philadelphia. Jennifer Arbittier Williams, who has served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney during Mr. McSwain's tenure, will become the Acting U.S. Attorney upon his departure.