U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown has announced his resignation from the Department of Justice, effective January 20, 2025. Brown was appointed to his role by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., confirmed by the Senate in December 2021, and has served as the chief law enforcement officer in Louisiana's Western District since then.
Reflecting on his service, Brown stated: “It has been the honor of a lifetime and the pinnacle of my career to serve the American people and the citizens of the Western District of Louisiana for 12 years, with the last 3 being the U.S. Attorney." He expressed gratitude to President Biden, Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and Attorney General Merrick Garland for their support.
During his tenure, Brown led an office comprising around 90 personnel involved in prosecuting federal criminal and civil cases within his district. His leadership focused on tackling violent crimes, drug trafficking, child exploitation, health care fraud, gang activities, civil rights violations, public corruption, and white-collar offenses.
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Brown to several key roles within the DOJ. These included serving on the Attorney General Advisory Committee as well as participating in subcommittees addressing white-collar crime and civil rights issues.
Under Brown's guidance, significant efforts were made to reduce violent crime rates through collaborations with various law enforcement agencies. Notable prosecutions during his term addressed firearms cases aimed at curbing violence in Shreveport and Monroe divisions.
His office achieved several high-profile convictions across various areas including fraud cases like US v. David D. DeBerardinis involving millions defrauded through fraudulent business representations; numerous drug trafficking convictions involving Mexican cartel connections; and substantial sentences in child exploitation cases such as William Malone’s 160-year sentence for long-term abuse.
Brown’s resignation follows over a decade-long career that began when he joined as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in November 2012 before rising to become U.S. Attorney for Western District Louisiana. Following his departure under the Vacancies Reform Act provisions, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook will take over until a permanent successor is appointed by presidential nomination followed by Senate confirmation.
