Russ Ferguson has been confirmed to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the Department of Justice announced yesterday. Following his Senate confirmation last Thursday, President Donald Trump signed Ferguson’s commission on Tuesday, and Senior United States District Judge Frank D. Whitney administered the oath of office yesterday.
Russ Ferguson’s path to confirmation began with his appointment as interim U.S. Attorney by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on March 3, followed by his swearing-in on March 11. His service was later formalized when federal judges in the district unanimously appointed him to the permanent position, effective June 30. President Trump subsequently nominated Ferguson on July 30. With over 16 years of legal experience, Ferguson expressed that serving as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina is a significant responsibility and emphasized delivering justice that is fair and focused on community safety, according to the Department of Justice.
As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Western District of North Carolina, Ferguson oversees federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States. He leads a team of nearly 100 federal prosecutors and staff across 32 counties, including the territories of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. His work has included targeting gang and cartel operations, addressing gun crimes involving illegal firearms, protecting vulnerable groups such as older adults and children, and recovering public funds through enforcement against fraud.
Before assuming his current role, Ferguson worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and later served as Legislative Counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He has received multiple recognitions, including listings in Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Ferguson has also been active in community service, serving on the boards of NourishUp and Keep Charlotte Beautiful. A Duke University alumnus, he holds both a law degree and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center. Prior to his public service, Ferguson was a partner at the law firm Womble Bond Dickinson.
