Lisa G. Johnston has been appointed as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. In this role, she serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district, which encompasses 23 counties. Her responsibilities include overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States.
Johnston expressed her commitment to her new position: “I am honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney and pledge to continue to fulfill the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” she stated. She emphasized collaboration with law enforcement partners to protect the public and uphold legal standards.
Previously, Johnston held the same acting position from February 2021 to October 2021. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August 2006 and became First Assistant United States Attorney in January 2018, where she managed operations across various sections of the office.
Her career began in the Northern District of West Virginia as a Special Assistant United States Attorney before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney. In October 2001, she worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Chief Counsel’s Office as a legal advisor in Louisville. Later, in August 2005, she was detailed to handle immigration appeals at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Johnston's extensive experience includes handling cases related to crimes against children, firearms offenses, violence, drug trafficking, health care fraud, immigration issues, and other white-collar crimes.
As Acting United States Attorney, Johnston leads a team comprising 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney staff based in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley offices.
Originally from Moundsville, West Virginia, Johnston earned her Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1988 after graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from West Virginia University in 1984.
Further details about this announcement can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.