The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona has announced that Gary M. Restaino has completed his service as United States Attorney, effective yesterday. His termination was communicated by the White House, which thanked him for his service to the nation.

"Getting the opportunity to lead an Office in which I have worked for many years has been energizing," said U.S. Attorney Restaino. He expressed gratitude to President Biden for his appointment and acknowledged Senators Kelly and Sinema for their support of his nomination, as well as Attorney General Garland's leadership at the Department of Justice. He also praised the dedicated team in Arizona, including prosecutors, victim advocates, administrative professionals, agents, analysts, and accountants who collaborate with state and local partners.

During Mr. Restaino's tenure since 2021, the office focused on border security, violent crime prosecutions, and civil rights interventions. The District led national efforts in prosecuting illegal entry and reentry into the United States in fiscal year 2024. It also dismantled transnational criminal organizations trafficking fentanyl and disrupted firearms trafficking operations.

In violent crime prosecutions, Indian Country prosecutors secured a first-degree murder conviction related to a missing persons case from Navajo Nation. The District also obtained a second-degree murder conviction against an individual who killed a Deputy United States Marshal.

Civil rights efforts included securing convictions against a man who burned two churches in Douglas, Arizona; obtaining convictions for kidnapping and deprivation of rights involving a Customs and Border Protection Officer; reaching a settlement with the Arizona Department of Corrections to improve accommodations for inmates with vision limitations; intervening in an election lawsuit to ensure voter access to ballot drop boxes free from intimidation; and participating in outreach events to increase reporting of hate crimes.

Mr. Restaino became United States Attorney in November 2021 after two decades as a federal employee, including time with the Peace Corps in Paraguay and as an Assistant United States Attorney in Arizona. He served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee advising on policy matters during his tenure.

Following Mr. Restaino's departure under the Vacancy Reform Act, Rachel C. Hernandez is serving as Acting United States Attorney for the District.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office represents U.S interests in federal court cases within Arizona while coordinating law enforcement efforts across various agencies.