The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon has announced the departure of United States Attorney Natalie K. Wight. Ms. Wight was informed of her termination by the White House, as she is a Presidential appointee and can be removed at the President's discretion. The White House expressed gratitude for her service.
Ms. Wight joined the United States Department of Justice in 2003 through the Attorney General's Honors Program and has served for twenty years. She was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., with support from Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, on June 6, 2022, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 9, 2022.
"I am proud of the Office's dedication to protecting Oregon's youth, supporting law enforcement, and maintaining strong agency partnerships," said former U.S. Attorney Wight. During her tenure, she focused on outreach to schools about fentanyl dangers and online exploitation while praising student leaders' compassion in Oregon.
She also organized the Junior Justice Summit this year where high school students collaborated with civic leaders to enhance community safety.
"I want to thank our Oregon communities and our exceptional public servants for helping to keep Oregon a safe and beautiful place to live," said former U.S. Attorney Wight. "I am excited to watch the office's continued success working with federal, state, county, local, and tribal agencies serving the people of Oregon."
Ms. Wight served on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee (AGAC) as Ninth Circuit representative during her term as U.S. Attorney, advising on critical legal issues impacting districts in each circuit.
The District of Oregon includes thirty-six counties and nine tribal reservations with offices in Portland, Eugene, and Medford handling criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States.
Following Ms. Wight’s departure under the Vacancies Reform Act, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney.