Kelly O. Hayes has been reappointed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, following a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Chief Judge George L. Russell III. This appointment comes after her initial designation by the United States Attorney General in February 2025, having previously served as Chief of the Office’s Southern Division since 2021.
The reappointment process adheres to the Vacancy Reform Act, which allows an interim U.S. Attorney appointment by the Attorney General for up to 120 days. If no successor is nominated and confirmed within that period, district courts have the authority to appoint a U.S. Attorney until a new confirmation occurs. Recently, judges from the District of Maryland voted to extend Ms. Hayes's tenure.
In her statement, Hayes expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her by district judges: “I am honored by the confidence the district judges have placed in me to continue serving as United States Attorney in Maryland.” She emphasized her commitment to combating criminal activity and ensuring public safety.
Ms. Hayes joined the District of Maryland as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2013 and has held various positions including Principal Deputy Chief and Deputy Appellate Chief for the Southern Division. Her leadership saw oversight of significant criminal investigations involving MS-13, violent crime, human trafficking, fraud, and other offenses.
Raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Hayes 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.
Under Ms. Hayes's leadership as U.S. Attorney, several high-profile cases were prosecuted successfully including securing guilty pleas from individuals involved in attempted murder related to federal investigations and a bribery scheme involving $550 million in government contracts.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys will continue collaborating with law enforcement at all levels under Ms. Hayes’s guidance to prosecute offenders effectively.
For further details on activities and resources offered by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit their official website at justice.gov/usao-md.
