Kelly O. Hayes has been appointed as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, taking over from her previous role as Chief of the Southern Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the same district since 2021.
Hayes began her tenure with the District of Maryland in 2013 as an Assistant United States Attorney. Her career includes roles such as Principal Deputy Chief and Deputy Appellate Chief for the district. As Chief of the Southern Division, she managed criminal investigations and prosecutions related to MS-13, violent crime, illegal firearm possession and trafficking, human trafficking, child exploitation, fraud, and illegal immigration offenses.
In a statement following her appointment, Hayes expressed her commitment to serving Maryland and its people: “I have spent over a decade witnessing the incredible and impactful work my colleagues do every day, and I am beyond honored to lead this Office as we continue to serve and protect the people of Maryland and the United States.” She added that she is confident in her team’s ability to combat criminal activity effectively.
Raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Hayes completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland at College Park before earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She clerked for Judge Janis L. Sammartino in California after law school.
For further details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its initiatives, visit their official website.