The United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Philip Sellinger, has announced his resignation effective January 8, 2025. In a statement, Sellinger expressed gratitude to President Biden for appointing him and highlighted the achievements of his office during his tenure.
"Serving as the United States Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime," said Sellinger. He emphasized efforts against violent crime, noting a decrease in shootings and murders in New Jersey over recent years due to targeted initiatives against street gangs.
Sellinger also established the first standalone Civil Rights Division at any U.S. Attorney’s Office to address hate crimes and protect civil rights. Notable cases included securing convictions related to assaults on Jewish communities and actions against discriminatory zoning policies affecting religious organizations.
In economic crimes, Sellinger's office led an investigation into TD Bank's failure to prevent money laundering, resulting in significant penalties. The office also prosecuted various fraud cases involving securities and health care.
The Cybercrime Unit gained international recognition by investigating LockBit ransomware activities, leading to charges against several members of the group. Additionally, the National Security Unit addressed threats from domestic and international actors.
Upon Sellinger's departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna will assume the role of Acting U.S. Attorney. All pending charges remain accusations until proven otherwise.