Former US Attorney Jessica D. Aber Found Dead in Virginia
Jessica D. Aber, 43, a former U.S. Attorney who served under President Joe Biden, was discovered deceased at her residence in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday morning.
High-Profile Prosecutor Stepped Down in January
Aber, appointed by President Biden, resigned from her position on January 20th. As U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, she held one of the most prominent federal prosecutor roles in the nation.
She assumed leadership as the chief federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2021.
Police Investigate Death, Cause Undetermined
Alexandria police have confirmed responding to a call early Saturday but are currently withholding further details pending family notifications. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Distinguished Career in Justice Department
A seasoned federal prosecutor, Aber progressed through the Justice Department ranks, ultimately becoming among the select few women to lead the prestigious Eastern District of Virginia, widely recognized within legal circles as EDVA.
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Eastern District of Virginia: A Legal Nerve Center
This district is a critical post encompassing Northern Virginia, the Pentagon, Langley, the Port of Norfolk, and key centers of federal authority in Richmond.
It serves as a central hub for significant legal activity, including cases related to terrorism, espionage, public corruption, and corporate crime.
During her tenure as U.S. Attorney, Aber directed a staff of approximately 300 legal professionals, overseeing prosecutions in some of the country’s most sensitive and impactful cases.
Jessica D. Aber, 43, former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia under President Joe Biden, was found dead at her Alexandria, Virginia home.
Aber, 43, stepped down from her high-profile federal prosecutor position earlier this year.
Emphasis on Transparency and Trust
Throughout her service, Aber prioritized transparency, fairness, and restoring trust in law enforcement during a period of national introspection on police conduct and institutional accountability.
In a recent interview with The Washington Post prior to her departure, Aber mentioned traveling over 50,000 miles across Virginia in her Hyundai, engaging with students, communities, and local leaders.
“We follow the facts and the law, striving to operate in a completely apolitical manner,” she stated.
Colleagues Mourn Loss of Respected Leader
Former colleagues are deeply saddened by Aber’s passing.
U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck, for whom Aber previously clerked, expressed, “Jess was exceptionally intelligent, but more importantly, she possessed a profound sense of justice, humanity, and the capacity to positively influence the world, even in her short time with us. My clerkship family has lost its foundation, and I have lost a cherished friend. She had a heart of gold, and I am honored to have known her.”
Erik S. Siebert, her interim successor, noted, “She was an unparalleled leader, mentor, and prosecutor. She is simply irreplaceable as an individual. We are in awe of her extensive accomplishments in her far too brief life. She loved EDVA, and EDVA reciprocated that affection.”
Aber, a long-serving federal prosecutor, rose through the ranks of the Justice Department.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland with former US Attorney Jessica D. Aber in June 2023.
Aber with attorney Chris Kavanaugh in April of last year.
Raj Parekh, Aber’s acting U.S. Attorney predecessor and later her top deputy, described her as dedicated to public service.
He recalled her volunteering weekly to drive from Richmond to Alexandria during the initial chaotic months of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with staffing shortages.
“Jess’s life and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those privileged to work alongside her,” Parekh stated.
Remembered for Warmth and Humility
Aber was recognized for her warmth, humility, and even her culinary skills, having once won an award at the Virginia State Fair for her chocolate chip cookies.
Joshua Stueve, a former Justice Department spokesman who collaborated closely with Aber for a decade, remarked, “Her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering humility and grace will always be remembered. I recall her warmth, compassion, humor, and the constant kindness she extended to everyone.”
Distinguished Career in Federal Law Enforcement
Prior to leading the Eastern District, Aber had established a notable career in federal law enforcement.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi paid tribute to Aber.
“She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor,” said Erik S. Siebert, her interim successor.
Former colleagues and acquaintances shared tributes to Aber on social media.
After graduating from the University of Richmond in 2003 and earning her law degree from William & Mary School of Law in 2006, she clerked for Magistrate Judge Lauck and subsequently joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Notable Corporate Espionage Case
Aber considered the 2023 criminal conviction of Siemens Energy Inc., the U.S. branch of the German conglomerate, for corporate espionage to be among her most significant accomplishments.
The company admitted guilt to stealing trade secrets from competitors General Electric and Mitsubishi.
Beyond the substantial $104 million fine, Aber emphasized that the criminal conviction itself delivered a powerful message at a time when deferred-prosecution agreements had become commonplace.