John J. Durham has taken on the role of Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. His appointment was authorized by Acting United States Attorney General James R. McHenry III, and he was sworn in on January 21, 2025, by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. Mr. Durham will serve in this position for up to 120 days or until a Presidential nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
Mr. Durham expressed his dedication to the role, stating, “As someone who has served this Office for nearly 20 years, it is truly an honor to be appointed as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.” He emphasized his commitment to addressing various threats such as violent crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, corruption, white-collar fraud, and civil litigation.
Durham's career with the Office began in October 2005. Since then, he has held numerous leadership roles including Chief of the Long Island Division and Chief of its Criminal Section since June 2024. Additionally, he has been involved with several key positions within the Department of Justice like Deputy Chief for the Long Island Criminal Section and Chair of the MS-13 Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force.
In August 2019, Mr. Durham became Director of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), focusing on combating La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Under his leadership at JTFV, significant indictments were secured against MS-13 leaders across multiple regions including Central America and Mexico.
His extensive experience includes prosecuting cases related to racketeering, terrorism, civil rights violations among others. He has notably worked on dismantling MS-13 operations both locally and internationally through numerous indictments resulting in arrests and convictions related to over 70 murders since January 2008.
Apart from his work against organized crime groups like MS-13 and others such as al-Qaeda affiliates and local gangs like Bloods and Crips; Mr. Durham also tackled public corruption cases involving high-profile individuals from law enforcement agencies.
Throughout his career achievements have been recognized with awards such as Charles E. Rose Award; Henry L. Stimson Medal; EOUSA Director’s Award among others.
Durham graduated from College of Holy Cross in 1998 followed by University Of Connecticut School Of Law in 2001 whereupon he clerked for U.S District Judge Stephen C Robinson Southern District NY before joining EDNY office later that year.