Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
John P. "Jack" Heekin was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, taking his oath from Chief District Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida. Heekin was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and nominated by President Donald Trump on May 6, 2025, succeeding Michelle Spaven who served as Acting U.S. Attorney since February 2025.
Heekin expressed his commitment to public safety: “I am deeply honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, and look forward to working alongside our outstanding prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe."
The Northern District of Florida encompasses 23 counties from Escambia to Alachua with offices in Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. The office prosecutes federal crimes such as terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, human trafficking, financial fraud, health care fraud, firearms offenses, and narcotics violations while also defending civil cases involving the United States.
Before this role, Heekin served as Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel to U.S. Senator Rick Scott (FL) in Washington D.C., advising on judiciary matters among other responsibilities. His previous roles include positions within Governor Rick Scott's administration where he oversaw criminal justice agencies.
Heekin holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and a Juris Doctor from Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law where he graduated cum laude. During law school he authored works on electronic surveillance legislation and cognitive disorder recognition under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
He is affiliated with several legal organizations including the Florida Bar and the Republican National Lawyers Association.
Michelle Spaven was recognized by Heekin for her service during her tenure as Acting U.S. Attorney; she will continue as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
The office serves under one of 94 nationwide that operate under the direction of the Attorney General.
For further information about their work or accessing court documents online visit their official website.
