United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery has announced her resignation, effective January 17 at 11:59 p.m. Ms. Avery expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as United States Attorney, and I am profoundly appreciative of President Biden for trusting me to serve our nation and the people of Connecticut in this position."
Appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate, Ms. Avery took office on May 9, 2022. During her tenure, she prioritized prosecuting crimes related to gun violence, narcotics trafficking, child exploitation, financial frauds, and national security issues. Her office's Civil Division pursued health care fraud violators and achieved significant settlements.
Ms. Avery emphasized community engagement through programs like HEAT and Fed-Up to reduce drug addiction and violent crime. She also led civil rights initiatives through United Against Hate presentations across Connecticut.
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Ms. Avery held various legal positions including Associate Attorney General at the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division.
Marc H. Silverman will assume the role of Acting U.S. Attorney following Ms. Avery's departure. Mr. Silverman has served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney since May 2024 and joined the office in 2010.
Ms. Avery expressed confidence in Mr. Silverman's leadership saying, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is in excellent hands."
The office enforces federal criminal laws in Connecticut with approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys across New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport.