Kelly O. Hayes has been appointed as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, effective immediately. Before this appointment, she held the position of Chief of the Southern Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland since 2021.
Hayes began her career with the District of Maryland in 2013 as an Assistant United States Attorney. Over the years, she has served in various capacities including Principal Deputy Chief and Deputy Appellate Chief for the Southern Division. As Chief, she managed all criminal investigations and prosecutions within her division, tackling issues such as MS-13 gang activity, violent crime, illegal firearms trafficking, human trafficking, child exploitation, fraud, and immigration offenses.
"I have spent over a decade witnessing the incredible and impactful work my colleagues do every day," Hayes stated upon her appointment. "I am beyond honored to lead this Office as we continue to serve and protect the people of Maryland and the United States." She expressed confidence in collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to combat criminal activities effectively.
Hayes was raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland at College Park before earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Post-law school, she clerked for Judge Janis L. Sammartino in California's Southern District.
For further details on initiatives and resources offered by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, interested parties can visit their official website.
