Damian Williams, the federal prosecutor who led high-profile cases such as the convictions of Sen. Robert Menendez and Sam Bankman-Fried, as well as ongoing investigations involving Mayor Eric Adams and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, has announced his resignation as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. His departure will be effective at 11:59 p.m. on December 13th.
Williams shared his decision in a statement, reflecting on the significance of his role. “Today is a bittersweet day for me, as I announce my resignation as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York,” he said. “It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job, leading an institution I love that is filled with the finest public servants in the world. It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level – upholding and exceeding its already high standard of excellence, integrity, and independence.”
Following Williams’ resignation, his deputy, Ed Kim, will step in as acting U.S. Attorney. The position, often considered one of the most prestigious in the country, has been central to major federal cases.
President-elect Donald Trump has also announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to take over the Southern District’s U.S. Attorney role. The Southern District of New York is widely recognized for its influence and its handling of cases involving prominent public figures and major financial institutions.
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