Sandra J. Hairston United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina
United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston has announced her resignation from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina, effective January 18, 2025. Hairston will retire from federal service after a distinguished career spanning over three decades.
"Serving this district as United States Attorney and as an Assistant United States Attorney has been the honor of my life," stated Hairston. She added, "The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. often said, 'The time is always right to do what is right.' I have done my best to do what is right during my time as a prosecutor."
Hairston's career with the Department of Justice began in 1990 when she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the MDNC. Her roles included Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Lead Task Force Attorney in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Section. She also served in various capacities such as Professional Responsibility Officer and Ethics Advisor.
In April 2014, she was appointed First Assistant United States Attorney for MDNC and held this position until November 2021 when she became United States Attorney. From March 2022 to June 2023, she served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.
Hairston's work has been recognized through awards such as the Director’s Award for superior performance and the Peter S. Gilchrist III Award for exemplifying high professional ideals.
Her tenure saw significant achievements including expanding Project Safe Neighborhoods to address juvenile crime and supporting re-entry programs for former inmates. She also played a role in reducing homicides through initiatives like Violent Impact Player case screening models.
Additionally, her office secured significant legal victories including lengthy sentences for those involved in violent crimes and international conspiracies targeting U.S. citizens.
Hairston emphasized prosecuting offenders exploiting children, resulting in substantial sentences, and collected millions in debts owed to taxpayers while addressing civil rights issues through strategic partnerships.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Galyon will assume duties as acting U.S. Attorney following Hairston's departure.
