U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., has announced his resignation effective February 3, 2025, after serving since November 2021. President Joseph Biden nominated Easley on September 28, 2021, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 21, 2021.
Easley expressed pride in his work for Eastern North Carolina: “It has been the highest honor to serve as the top federal law enforcement official for Eastern North Carolina – a place I was born, raised, and am proud to call home.” He highlighted achievements in reducing violent crime and enhancing white-collar prosecutions.
Eddie Caldwell of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association praised Easley's leadership: “U.S. Attorney Easley is the kind of partner every sheriff hopes for - sharp, decisive, and committed to results.” Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson also commended his efforts: “We are deeply grateful for the years that U.S. Attorney Easley served at the helm of the Eastern District of North Carolina.”
During his tenure, Easley expanded resources in the district with a nearly 17% increase in prosecutors and support staff. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives added an additional team to assist with violent crime reduction.
Under Easley's guidance, significant initiatives were launched including Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which led to Raleigh being named a National Public Safety Partnership Site. The Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) showed notable declines in homicides across several cities.
Easley's office prosecuted over 850 individuals for firearms offenses from 2022-2024 and dismantled drug trafficking operations through enhanced investigative techniques under the Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).
Efforts against fentanyl included training local law enforcement on overdose death investigations and outreach programs like Heroin Education Action Team (HEAT).
The office also focused on national security cases involving terrorism and cybersecurity threats while collaborating with DOJ’s National Security Division to protect sensitive technology.
White-collar crime prosecution surged by 115%, targeting fraud schemes including COVID-related frauds.
Easley initiated civil rights enforcement improvements with dedicated teams focusing on community engagement and law enforcement training. Human trafficking task forces were established in key areas to enhance victim support.
In civil practice, EDNC's Civil Division maintained high rankings nationally for case filings related to civil rights and fraud.
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Easley was a partner at an international law firm specializing in internal investigations and trial court work.