PLANO, Texas – Jay R. Combs has been appointed by President Donald J. Trump as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX).
Combs expressed gratitude for the appointment, stating, "I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this opportunity and humbled by the honor of leading the Eastern District of Texas." He added that it is a significant responsibility and privilege to serve in this capacity. Combs emphasized his commitment to advancing key administration priorities, including immigration enforcement, combatting human trafficking and smuggling, tackling transnational organized crime, cartels, and gangs, and protecting law enforcement officers.
With an extensive background as a federal prosecutor, Combs previously served as branch chief in the EDTX's largest office. His career with the Department of Justice began in 2006 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney on the U.S.–Mexico border. During his tenure, he prosecuted cases involving organized crime, immigration violations, narcotics offenses, human trafficking, fraud, public corruption, and white-collar crimes. Combs has received national recognition for his efforts against international drug cartels.
As Acting U.S. Attorney, Combs will lead one of the nation's busiest districts known for prosecuting and extraditing foreign drug cartel leaders. The district covers 43 counties with over 3.5 million residents and includes six U.S. District Court divisions located in Beaumont, Sherman, Plano, Tyler, Lufkin, and Marshall.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Combs served six years in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General. A twenty-year Army veteran with both active duty and reserve service experience, he held various roles including Executive Officer of an Air Defense Artillery Battery. He completed two combat tours during Operations Desert Shield/Storm (1990-91) in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq; and served in Afghanistan (2008-2009), where he earned a Bronze Star medal.
Originally from Springerville Arizona but residing in Texas for over two decades now; Combs holds degrees from Northern Arizona University (bachelor’s) & University New Mexico (law). Married thirty years with seven children alongside wife Melissa completes personal details about him
For further information on U.S Attorneys Office EDTX visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx.
