Damian Williams, the influential U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), announced on Monday that he will step down from his position on December 13, 2024, ahead of Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025. Williams, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, has served at the helm of one of the nation’s most high-profile federal prosecutor offices.
Williams leaves behind a legacy marked by high-stakes cases, including securing convictions against some of the most prominent figures in finance and politics. Notable among his achievements are the convictions of Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced crypto mogul who defrauded customers of his FTX exchange out of $8 billion, and former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted of corruption. Under Williams’ leadership, the office also focused heavily on combating financial fraud, public corruption, and national security threats.
Edward Kim, currently serving as Deputy U.S. Attorney, will assume the role of Acting U.S. Attorney for SDNY upon Williams’ resignation. Kim, a seasoned prosecutor with years of experience in white-collar crime and national security cases, is expected to continue the office’s crucial work.
Despite stepping down before Trump’s return to office, Williams expressed confidence that the office is in good hands. “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,” Williams said in his resignation statement.
During his tenure, Williams was instrumental in the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history. The conviction followed a highly publicized trial in November 2023. Williams also secured the conviction of Bill Hwang, the founder of Archegos Capital Management, who was sentenced to 18 years for stock market manipulation that resulted in billions in losses to Wall Street banks.
Williams’ office has also made significant strides in tackling public corruption. In July, the office won a conviction against U.S. Senator Bob Menendez for fraud and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. In September, New York City Mayor Eric Adams faced bribery charges, although he has pleaded not guilty.
Williams’ tenure stands as a testament to the SDNY’s commitment to fighting financial crimes, public corruption, and terrorism financing. His approach to prosecutorial independence, even amidst political pressure, has earned him praise from legal experts and former colleagues, including Geoffrey Berman, his predecessor, who hailed Williams’ “incredible record of indictments and convictions.”
Williams, the first Black U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, is stepping down before the incoming administration takes office — a move that reflects the fraught history of relationships between the Trump administration and federal prosecutors. Former U.S. Attorneys Preet Bharara and Geoffrey Berman were both ousted by Trump after conflicts over politically charged investigations. Berman’s memoir details how the Trump administration sought to pressure him into using the office for political gain, a request he refused.
Trump has already announced plans to nominate former SEC chair Jay Clayton to lead the SDNY. Clayton’s nomination will require confirmation by the U.S. Senate, and his focus is expected to include national security cases, terrorism financing, and money laundering, areas where Williams has also left his mark.
Williams’ resignation ahead of Trump’s second term is seen as a strategic move to avoid the fate of predecessors who were forced out after political transitions. However, Williams leaves behind a prosecutor’s office known for its professionalism, impartiality, and independence — values he has steadfastly upheld.
As the Southern District of New York faces a new chapter, Williams’ confidence in the career attorneys within the office remains high. “These lawyers are patriots who will continue to uphold the highest standards of justice,” Williams affirmed.
With new leadership on the horizon, all eyes are now on how the SDNY will continue to navigate the complex and politically sensitive cases that lie ahead in a time of intense scrutiny.
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