Trina A. Higgins, the first woman to be presidentially appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah, has concluded her tenure. Nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Higgins was sworn in as the 38th U.S. Attorney for Utah on January 31, 2022. Her last day in office is February 16, 2025.
During her time in office, Higgins focused on impactful cases and collaborated with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to increase financial crime prosecutions in Utah. Her office also pursued complex narcotics and firearm cases targeting high-level defendants within criminal organizations and prosecuted significant violent crimes including murders and human trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office under Higgins tried 35 jury trials during her tenure, which included three homicides committed in Tribal communities. In one notable case, Higgins served as the trial attorney where a man was convicted of murdering a Navajo woman in front of her daughters on the Navajo Nation.
Higgins participated in several subcommittees for Attorney General Merrick B. Garland's Advisory Committee, including those focusing on Environmental Justice, Terrorism and National Security, and Native American Issues.
Her efforts were recognized by various law enforcement leaders:
"Strong partnerships between law enforcement and prosecutors are essential to upholding the rule of law," stated Mehtab Syed from the Salt Lake City FBI office.
ATF Special Agent Brent Beavers praised her commitment: "Her extensive experience as a career prosecutor...have been pivotal in successful prosecution."
U.S. Marshal Justin Martinez acknowledged her professionalism: "USA Higgins is an extremely effective leader...she will be greatly missed."
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division's Jonathan Pullen commended their cooperation: "On behalf of DEA...we wish nothing but the best for United States Attorney Higgins."
HSI Utah Assistant Special Agent Brandon Crane appreciated their collaboration: "The collaboration has had a significant impact on public safety throughout Utah."
Glen Henderson from the Phoenix Division lauded her dedication to safeguarding postal services: "It has been a pleasure to collaborate with United States Attorney Higgins."
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera thanked her for prioritizing complex cases: "She prioritized complex and violent offender cases..."
Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown highlighted her impact: "Her career as a dedicated prosecutor made our city safer..."
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Higgins served over two decades as an Assistant United States Attorney and was previously a Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney. At the time of her nomination, she worked at U.S embassies in Malta and Cyprus as Mediterranean Legal Advisor. A native of Utah, she earned degrees from Weber State University and S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah.