United States Attorney Dena J. King has announced her resignation from her role as the chief law enforcement officer for the Western District of North Carolina, effective immediately. King expressed gratitude for her time in office, stating, "It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of the Western District of North Carolina."
King made history as the first person of color appointed to this position in the district. Her nomination by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. took place on September 28, 2021, and she was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 19, 2021. She officially assumed office on November 29, 2021.
During her tenure, King led an office comprising nearly 100 federal prosecutors and support staff across a district covering 32 counties in western North Carolina. The district includes notable landmarks such as half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and significant Native American communities.
As U.S. Attorney, King managed all criminal and civil matters filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Her focus areas included civil rights protection, public safety enhancement, health care fraud prevention, drug trafficking disruption, and safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.
King established WDNC's first Civil Rights Team to enforce civil rights laws and prosecute violations while enhancing community engagement on these issues. She also reconstituted the Health Care Fraud Task Force to combat fraud against public and private insurers.
Under King's leadership, efforts were made to protect vulnerable groups from exploitation and violence through prosecutions of child predators and initiatives targeting financial scams against older adults.
Her commitment to public safety involved dismantling drug trafficking networks and reducing gun violence by prosecuting offenders involved in illegal firearm activities.
King emphasized partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders through training seminars focused on Department of Justice priorities like violent crime reduction and human trafficking prevention.
"Serving as U.S. Attorney has given me the privilege of working alongside our dedicated federal, state, and local law enforcement partners," King said.
She engaged in outreach efforts such as Think Again—a campaign against illegal firearm purchases—and United Against Hate—an initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and targeted communities.
A key focus during King's term was engaging young people to prevent youth violence through partnerships with schools across several counties for discussions on important social issues.
In addition to her duties as U.S. Attorney for WDNC, King served as Chair of various subcommittees within the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) focusing on civil rights and Native American issues among others.
Despite challenges like COVID-19 pandemic impacts and budgetary constraints since 2021 when she assumed office; King's leadership ensured continuity in managing caseloads effectively while securing additional resources where needed.
Before becoming U.S Attorney for WDNC; King's career included roles such as Deputy Criminal Chief overseeing Violent Crimes & Narcotics Section at WDNC; Lead Task Force Attorney for Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program; Assistant U.S Attorney at Eastern District NC among other positions held throughout her extensive prosecutorial career history
"Being U.S Attorney is an incredible job," remarked King reflecting upon her experience serving this pivotal role within justice system framework nationwide
Following King's departure First Assistant US attorney Lawrence J Cameron will assume responsibilities temporarily until permanent successor appointed
