After nearly a year of turnover at Nevada’s top federal prosecutor’s office, Las Vegas attorney George Kelesis has been nominated by the White House to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada. If confirmed by the Senate, he would oversee federal prosecutions and civil cases in Las Vegas and Reno.
White House makes it official
The nomination was formally sent to the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, according to the White House. The notice lists Kelesis “of Nevada” to be U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada, filling the vacancy noted as vice Jason M. Frierson. That transmission kicks off the Senate’s vetting and confirmation process.
Longtime local lawyer and tax commissioner
Kelesis has practiced law in Las Vegas since 1981 and is a partner at Cook & Kelesis, according to his official biography on the Nevada Tax Commission website. The state page also notes he has served multiple terms on the Nevada Tax Commission and has taught as an adjunct at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law. His background centers on tax, business and white‑collar matters, a profile the White House notice highlights for the role.
Office turnover and immediate context
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Nevada has gone through a stretch of leadership turnover since Jason Frierson announced his resignation effective Jan. 17, 2025, the Justice Department said in a January 2025 press release. The office has since operated under interim and acting leaders, a period that included appointments drawing political attention in 2025, as reported by the Las Vegas Review‑Journal. Reporters said they were unable to reach Kelesis Wednesday and Nevada’s two Democratic U.S. senators had not immediately responded to requests for comment, according to the Las Vegas Review‑Journal.
What comes next
Kelesis’s nomination now heads to the Senate for consideration, the White House said, and could move through the Judiciary Committee before a floor vote. If the Senate confirms him, he would lead the District of Nevada’s U.S. Attorney’s Office; until then the office will continue under its acting leadership. The timing of any hearing or vote remains uncertain and will depend on the Senate’s schedule and committee review.
