United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref will conclude her service as the chief federal law enforcement officer for Eastern Washington later this month, aligning with the transition to a new presidential administration. Nominated by President Joseph R. Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate, Waldref took office on October 7, 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
"Serving as U.S. Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime," Waldref stated. She praised the dedication and skill of federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners in protecting the community.
During her tenure, Waldref expanded the U.S. Attorney’s Office by opening a Richland Branch office and hiring additional staff. Her leadership focused on public health, safety, fraud prevention, civil rights protection, and addressing issues like Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
"When I became the United States Attorney, my vision was building an office responsive to the needs of the community," she said.
Waldref's work extended beyond Eastern Washington to influence national legal policy in areas such as environmental justice and public safety on Native American reservations. She testified before Congress about fentanyl's impact on Tribal lands.
Under her leadership, significant prosecutions occurred in cases involving violent crime and drug trafficking organizations like La Nuestra Familia prison gang and "Fetty Bros." Additionally, Operation Engage Spokane addressed opioid issues through community engagement.
In protecting vulnerable citizens from sexual predators, Waldref partnered with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC), achieving convictions in several high-profile cases.
Her collaboration with Tribal Nations focused on reducing violent crime on reservations and advocating for resources to protect Tribal communities. "Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country," she noted.
As Chair of DOJ’s Environmental Justice & Environmental Issues Subcommittee, Waldref launched initiatives like Eastern Washington’s Environmental Task Force to tackle environmental crimes effectively.
In fighting fraud, her office secured large settlements against Providence Health & Services and Lincare Holdings under False Claims Act violations while also addressing COVID-19 relief fund fraud through a dedicated strike force.
Waldref emphasized civil rights protection through various initiatives including combating hate crimes and ensuring ADA compliance.
Her partnerships with state and local law enforcement strengthened community-based crime prevention strategies across Eastern Washington counties.
First Assistant United States Attorney Richard Barker praised Waldref's contributions: "In a little more than three years, Vanessa has done more than some prosecutors achieve in a lifetime."
Alison Gregoire lauded her commitment to justice: "While we will miss her greatly, the foundation she built will endure."
Upon her departure under Federal Vacancies Reform Act guidelines First Assistant Richard Barker will assume duties as Acting United States Attorney for Eastern District of Washington following Vanessa R.Waldrefs' exit from position