Tara K. McGrath, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California has announced the conclusion of Tara McGrath's tenure as the chief federal law enforcement official for San Diego and Imperial counties, effective February 12, 2025. Her departure follows a communication from the White House, directed by the President of the United States.
Ms. McGrath expressed her gratitude for her time in office, stating, "It has been an honor to serve as U.S. Attorney, working alongside an exceptional team in this office and forging strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies and communities in pursuit of justice." She also noted her pride in their collective achievements during her public service career.
Appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Ms. McGrath began her role on October 5, 2023. Her responsibilities included overseeing one of the busiest U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country, which serves around 3.5 million residents with a staff of approximately 300.
During her tenure, Ms. McGrath focused on combating fentanyl distribution, prosecuting scams against vulnerable populations, removing firearms from felons and violent offenders, addressing corruption and civil rights violations, and protecting the environment through legal measures. The office also led in prosecuting drug trafficking cases involving Mexican cartels.
Key accomplishments under Ms. McGrath's leadership include being first to charge defendants for smuggling greenhouse gases across borders illegally; securing life sentences for individuals involved in multiple murders; reinforcing efforts against elder fraud; charging individuals with stealing public-assistance benefits; negotiating a significant forfeiture settlement with Wynn Las Vegas; convicting a defendant involved in fraud schemes; and facilitating an extradition related to commercial sex trafficking.
Her oversight extended to civil cases where she led successful litigation efforts on behalf of the United States and recovered millions from fraudulent activities.
Under Ms. McGrath's leadership, settlements and recoveries exceeded $41 million across various program areas including health care fraud and opioid-related investigations.
Following Ms. McGrath's departure, Andrew R. Haden has assumed the role of Acting United States Attorney pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act.
