Stephanie Van Marter has taken on the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington as of July 7, 2025. A Spokane native, Van Marter is an alumna of Gonzaga Prep, Gonzaga University, and the Gonzaga School of Law. She has served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for over twenty years, holding positions such as Senior Litigation Counsel and Deputy Criminal Chief.
Van Marter's career includes working on complex federal cases involving drug trafficking and crimes against tribal communities. Her efforts have been recognized nationally for targeting dangerous drug traffickers. Before her tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she was a deputy prosecuting attorney in Boise, Idaho.
She remains active in community service roles and emphasizes her commitment to justice and law enforcement partnerships. “Having grown up in this community... I am humbled and honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney,” said Van Marter.
Tom Atkinson from the Bureau of Indian Affairs expressed support for her appointment: “Steph Van Marter has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice.” She succeeds Richard R. Barker, who praised her dedication to the office's mission.
Van Marter aims to build on the legacy of previous U.S. Attorneys and strengthen relationships with law enforcement partners across Eastern Washington.
