The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia in Macon this week announced that U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is resigning and will join a law firm in Atlanta.
The federal office also covers criminal cases that are prosecuted at the U.S. District Courthouse in Athens.
Leary, who was raised in Watkinsville, was appointed to the position by President Joe Biden. He was sworn into office in March 2023.
“I am honored to have served as the U.S. Attorney for the community that raised me, alongside some of the finest public servants in the country,” Leary said in a statement released with the announcement. “Every day the men and women of this office stand shoulder to shoulder with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to advance safety and promote justice.”
U.S. Attorney: Peter Leary sworn in as U.S. Attorney during ceremony in Macon
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanelle Booker was appointed as the acting U.S. Attorney for the district.
Numerous cases were prosecuted under Leary’s leadership, including criminal organizations, fentanyl traffickers and child sexual abuse predators.
“Serving our country for my entire legal career has been everything I hoped it would be; that is largely because I got to work alongside men and women who share the same vision of seeking justice,” Leary said.
Leary, a graduate of Athens Academy, received his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Viriginia. He initially joined the Department of Justice, where he worked with the intelligence community.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: U.S. District Attorney Peter Leary to leave federal post
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