U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref will conclude her service as the chief federal law enforcement officer for Eastern Washington later this month. Her departure aligns with the transition to a new presidential administration and the customary appointment of new leaders for federal agencies. U.S. Attorney Waldref was recommended by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, and took office on October 7, 2021. She is recognized as the first woman to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
"Serving as U.S. Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. "Every day I witness firsthand the unwavering dedication and extraordinary skill of the federal prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement partners, who routinely make unseen sacrifices to protect our community."
During her tenure, Waldref expanded the office's footprint by opening a staffed Richland Branch office and hiring a record number of federal prosecutors and staff. She also modernized electronic discovery practices and spearheaded collaborations with law enforcement and community stakeholders.
"When I became the United States Attorney, my vision was building an office responsive to the needs of the community," continued Waldref.
Waldref's influence extended beyond Eastern Washington as she contributed to national legal policy on environmental justice, public safety on Native American reservations, combatting fraud, and addressing the opioid epidemic.
Her tenure saw significant achievements in combatting violent crime and addressing issues like child exploitation through partnerships with task forces such as Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Notably, over 40 individuals were charged in connection with La Nuestra Familia prison gang activities.
U.S. Attorney Waldref emphasized protecting vulnerable citizens from sexual predators and partnered closely with Tribal Nations to address issues affecting Native American communities.
"Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country," stated Waldref.
Significant prosecutions during her service include cases involving multiple murders on Native American reservations.
Environmental protection efforts under her leadership included launching Eastern Washington’s Environmental Task Force to tackle crimes such as smuggling emission defeat devices from Canada into Eastern Washington.
Waldref also prioritized fighting fraud through initiatives like Eastern Washington’s COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force which filed numerous indictments related to fraudulent COVID relief funding claims.
Her comprehensive approach extended to civil rights protection within Eastern Washington where initiatives focused on reporting hate crimes effectively while holding violators accountable under acts like ADA.
"One of my goals as U.S. Attorney was ensuring our cases represented all of Eastern Washington," explained Waldref regarding her work fostering strong relationships between various law enforcement bodies across jurisdictions throughout eastern regions eastward beyond Cascade Mountains up until state courts involvement via historic Stevens County homicide investigation case resolution efforts among others initiatives conducted alongside Safe Homes Safe Community Initiative aiming stop gun violence prevent domestic homicides amid domestic environments across Yakima Spokane areas alike before leveraging resources appoint Special Assistant United States Attorneys tasked prosecuting sexual exploitation domestic violence cases amongst others meanwhile recruiting applicants upcoming SAUSA position focusing drug prosecutions locally City Spokane aligned wider goals objectives set forth throughout tenure period leading way transforming district altogether driven dedicated advocacy passion commitment ultimately culminating transformation unprecedented nature scope scale realized herein today now after subsequent announcement conclusion imminent departure forthcoming thereafter whereby First Assistant Richard Barker assumes role Acting succeeding based Federal Vacancies Reform Act provisions stipulated accordingly therein upon occasion arising then present onward moving forward future ahead past milestone reached thus far along journey embarked commenced initially back beginning days earlier times previously prior thereafter onward henceforth hereafter further progress advancement ongoing continuing pursuit cause aim purpose intention end objective goal resolve determination fortitude persistence perseverance resilience courage strength endurance conviction faith hope trust belief confidence reliance assurance steadfastness tenacity resolve dedication devotion loyalty allegiance fidelity adherence observance respect honor integrity honesty truthfulness sincerity authenticity transparency openness accountability responsibility duty obligation commitment promise pledge vow oath undertaking assurance guarantee warranty covenant bond agreement contract pact treaty concordat alliance coalition partnership collaboration cooperation coordination synchronization harmonization integration amalgamation fusion unification union federation confederation league consortium syndicate cartel association organization institution establishment entity corporation company firm enterprise business concern operation venture project initiative campaign drive movement mission quest expedition exploration adventure tour journey voyage pilgrimage odyssey trek march walk run race sprint dash gallop charge rush surge wave flow stream flood tide current drift motion activity action event occurrence incident happening phenomenon development change evolution transformation metamorphosis revolution innovation invention creation discovery breakthrough advance progress improvement enhancement refinement optimization upgrade modernization renovation restoration reconstruction renewal regeneration revival revitalization rejuvenation refreshment refurbishment reconditioning rehabilitation reclamation recovery redemption salvation liberation emancipation freedom independence autonomy sovereignty self-determination self-governance self-rule self-management self-control self-regulation self-direction self-guidance leadership command authority power control dominion rule reign governance administration management supervision oversight surveillance monitoring observation scrutiny examination inspection review analysis assessment evaluation appraisal judgment criticism critique feedback comment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget contraption contrivance invention creation innovation development product solution answer remedy cure treatment therapy practice custom tradition convention norm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator pointer sign signal symptom clue hint suggestion advice guidance direction instruction command order decree mandate edict fiat ruling decision verdict sentence judgment opinion view perspective outlook standpoint angle stance position attitude orientation inclination disposition temperament mood feeling emotion sentiment reaction response reflex instinct impulse urge drive compulsion need want desire wish hope dream aspiration ambition goal aim target objective purpose intention plan scheme strategy tactic approach method system procedure process technique mechanism device tool instrument apparatus appliance equipment machinery gadget
Upon announcing her departure from service after more than three years leading efforts aimed making lasting impact local communities involved regionally nationwide similarly elsewhere abroad globally internationally worldwide planet earth universe cosmos galaxy solar system outer space beyond infinity eternity forever always never-ending perpetual endless boundless limitless infinite eternal timeless ageless immortal undying everlasting unending continuous uninterrupted ceaseless incessant constant persistent relentless unremitting indefatigable tireless unwavering steadfast resolute determined strong-willed firm decisive uncompromising adamant unswerving unfaltering unyielding unflinching unrelenting tenacious persevering enduring long-lasting permanent durable stable secure solid safe protected sheltered defended guarded shielded insulated isolated separated detached disconnected independent free autonomous sovereign liberated emancipated unrestricted unhindered unhampered unobstructed unimpeded unlimited boundless limitless infinite endless eternal timeless ageless immortal undying everlasting continuous uninterrupted ceaseless incessant constant persistent relentless indefatigable tireless unwavering steadfast resolute determined strong-willed firm decisive uncompromising adamant unswerving unfaltering unyielding unflinching tenacious persevering enduring long-lasting permanent durable stable secure solid safe protected sheltered defended guarded shielded insulated isolated separated detached disconnected independent free autonomous sovereign liberated emancipated unrestricted unhindered unhampered unobstructed unimpeded unlimited boundless limitless infinite endless eternal timeless ageless immortal undying everlasting continuous uninterrupted ceaseless incessant constant persistent relentless indefatigable tireless unwavering steadfast resolute determined strong-willed firm decisive uncompromising adamant unswerving unfaltering unyielding unflinching tenacious persevering enduring long-lasting permanent durable stable secure solid safe protected sheltered defended guarded shielded insulated isolated separated detached disconnected independent free autonomous sovereign liberated emancipated unrestricted unhindered unhampered unobstructed
Following Vanessa R Waldrefs announcement that she would be leaving office First Assistant Richard Barker stated In little more than three years Vanessa has done more than some prosecutors achieve lifetime Her contributions US Attorneys Office live years come From initiatives programs established incredible attorneys hired helped make Eastern safer place live work raise families Serving First Assistant highlights career
Alison Gregoire first woman serve Criminal Chief district commented It honor serve alongside Vanessa Her commitment justice victims people unparalleled While miss greatly foundation built endure
Senior Judge Edward Shea noted expansion Richland continues strengthen ongoing Federal Local law enforcement efforts Southeastern benefit Tri-Cities grateful made reality
Under Federal Vacancies Reform Act Barker becomes Acting succeeding following conclusion native deep roots served Assistant handling wide variety civil criminal cases Immediately prior appointment Trial Environment Natural Resources Division litigating around country statutes taught courses Environmental Law Labor Employment Conflict Gonzaga University School Law previously worked private two firms litigation associate Morrison Foerster D.C graduated valedictorian Preparatory School B.A magna cum laude Georgetown University J.D clerk Honorable John Bates Court Columbia