Maryland State Wire

Kelly O. Hayes has been reappointed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. The oath was administered by Chief Judge George L. Russell III in Baltimore, confirming her position as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district.

Initially appointed by the United States Attorney General in February 2025, Hayes had previously served as Chief of the Office’s Southern Division since 2021. Under the Vacancy Reform Act, if a successor is not nominated and confirmed within 120 days, it falls to the district court to appoint a U.S. Attorney until a new appointment is confirmed. The judges of the District of Maryland recently voted to reappoint Hayes.

Hayes expressed gratitude for her reappointment: “I am honored by the confidence the district judges have placed in me to continue serving as United States Attorney in Maryland,” she said. She emphasized her commitment to public safety and justice: “It is a privilege to lead this great office and to work alongside such dedicated public servants committed to upholding the rule of law and seeking justice on behalf of our communities.”

Since joining the District of Maryland in 2013 as an Assistant United States Attorney, Hayes has held several key positions including Principal Deputy Chief for the Southern Division and Deputy Appellate Chief for the District. As Chief of the Southern Division, she managed criminal investigations and prosecutions related to various offenses including violent crime, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal immigration.

Raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Hayes completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland at College Park before earning her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Under Hayes's leadership, significant cases have been prosecuted successfully by her office including guilty pleas from individuals involved in attempted murder related to federal investigations and bribery schemes involving government contracts worth $550 million.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue collaborating with law enforcement partners at all levels to prosecute offenders under federal laws.

For further information about priorities and resources available through Maryland's U.S. Attorney’s Office, visit their official website.