U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
First Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is set to take on the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, starting December 21, 2024. This transition follows the resignation of United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and is in accordance with the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Christopher R. Kavanaugh praised Lee's extensive service, stating, "For two decades, Zach Lee has served the Western District of Virginia with honor, distinction, and dedication as an Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Chief, and most recently as First Assistant United States Attorney." He expressed confidence in Lee's ability to lead effectively.
Zachary T. Lee commented on his new position: “In my role as the First Assistant United States Attorney, I’ve had the privilege to work side-by-side with Chris Kavanaugh on our district’s most pressing matters.” He acknowledged Kavanaugh's departure after over a decade of service but committed to maintaining focus on key priorities such as safety, civil rights protection, reducing gun violence, and handling complex investigations.
Lee has been part of the Department of Justice since 2005 when he joined as a Special Assistant United States Attorney before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney in 2007. His career includes prosecuting cases involving narcotics, public corruption, firearms offenses among others. He has also held leadership roles within the district.
Before joining the Department of Justice, Lee worked as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bristol City and served as a law clerk for Judge James P. Jones in Virginia's Western District Court. His academic credentials include a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University.
