Yesterday, Jason A. Reding Quiñones officially took the oath as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump and a confirmation by the Senate, a move highlighting the federal legal landscape in one of the nation's largest jurisdictions. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office press release, Reding Quiñones, a former state court trial judge and decorated military veteran, owes his new role to the trust placed in him by President Trump, the Attorney General, and senators alike.
The scope of his new responsibilities will cover a vast expanse, with the Southern District of Florida encompassing several counties including Miami-Dade and Broward, and extending over 15,000 square miles which includes major urban centers and stretches to various outlying areas, Reding Quiñones will be at the helm of prosecuting a spectrum of federal criminal offenses and litigating civil matters involving the United States. In a statement obtained by the Justice Department, Reding Quiñones shared that as the child of a Cuban political refugee and born in Miami, he finds deep honor in his new position and aims to "work tirelessly to protect the American people, restore impartial justice, and defend the rule of law without fear or favor."
Prior to taking up the mantle of U.S. Attorney, Reding Quiñones served in several capacities including as a national security official in the Department of Justice's National Security Division, specializing in counterterrorism efforts, and crafting his litigation skills as a federal prosecutor in both Virginia and Florida. His service record extends to a notable 22-year tenure in the U.S. Army and Air Force, with his continuing service in the reserves as a lieutenant colonel providing legal counsel on security and counterterrorism.
Reding Quiñones is stepping into shoes recently vacated by Hayden P. O'Byrne, who directed the office effectively since the dawning of this new year, he fosters educational roots stemming from a BA in Anthropology and Military Sciences from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor granted by the Florida International University College of Law, with his extensive experience, Reding Quiñones is positioned to continue the trajectory of success paved by his predecessor. Echoing his appreciation for the outgoing O'Byrne, he said, "Mr. O'Byrne is a patriot who has faithfully served this community for many years. I thank him for his leadership and look forward to building on his successes," as detailed by the Justice Department.
