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Jacqueline C. Romero, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, announced her resignation on Monday (February 17). Romero, who was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate, served nearly three years in the role. She was the first woman of color to hold this position in the Philadelphia region.
During her tenure, Romero expanded the Allentown office to better serve Lancaster and Berks Counties. She also prioritized prosecuting violent crime, fraud, and civil rights violations, while enhancing community engagement and youth outreach initiatives. Under her leadership, the office saw a significant drop in violent crime and successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including those involving financial fraud and public corruption.
Romero expressed pride in her work, stating, "The work we’ve done these last years... has made the Eastern District of Pennsylvania safer, stronger, and more just."
According to the Department of Justice, Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr., the District’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, will serve as acting U.S. Attorney until a permanent replacement is confirmed.
The transition comes amid changes in the federal justice system under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Union-Bulletin reports that Romero did not specify the reason for her departure, but changes in administration often lead to turnover in U.S. Attorney’s Offices.