CLEVELAND — U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced his resignation Wednesday and will leave the position on Jan. 8, 2021.
Herdman has been the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio since being sworn in on Aug. 21, 2017.
He issued the following statement regarding the announcement:
“To serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio for these past three years has been a singular honor. There are not many jobs where you can work every day to ensure the safety and well-being of millions of your neighbors and friends. Northern Ohio is where I grew up, it is where my wife and I chose to raise a family, and it is where I have always wanted to spend my entire career. To have been offered an opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to the future of our community is the privilege of a lifetime.
I want to thank President Trump, Attorney General Sessions and Attorney General Barr for their confidence in me to lead this office. I would also like to thank Senator Portman and Senator Brown, both of whom originally recommended me for this position and placed their trust in my abilities to serve all residents of northern Ohio. I am also deeply appreciative of the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office who have stood with me in carrying out the virtuous mission of the Justice Department. Their work and dedication to the pursuit of justice make our communities and country a better place to live. As a person soon to re-enter private life, I am forever grateful for their vigilance in protecting the public. Any credit for the accomplishments throughout my tenure as United States Attorney belongs to them and our law enforcement partners, and for that, they have my enduring thanks.”
One of Herman’s more recent acts in Cleveland was the rollout of Operation Legend—a federal initiative aimed at combating violent crime. The program started in July and has since spread to multiple cities across the country.
The effort has seen thousands of criminals taken off the streets as well as drugs and cash. In Cleveland, more than 100 alleged offenders have been arrested on federal charges.
“I commend U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for his distinguished service to the Justice Department and American people these past few years,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Justin is a consummate and principled public servant who has also served as an invaluable member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Council. His steadfast commitment to building safer communities and bringing justice to the citizens of Northern Ohio and our nation was exceptional. Under his leadership, his office forged partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat addiction and violence in his community. I wish him well in all his future endeavors.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget Brennan will take over his role next month.
RELATED: 101 people arrested in Cleveland area on federal charges relating to Operation Legend
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