William R. Keyes was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia at a ceremony held at the C.B. King United States Courthouse in Albany. The oath was administered by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and I am incredibly grateful that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me,” said Keyes. “I care deeply for this District and look forward to working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners on behalf of all Middle Georgians. Together, we will protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”
Keyes now serves as the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in a district covering 70 counties, including major cities such as Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon, and Valdosta. His office is tasked with prosecuting federal crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms offenses, illegal gangs, and narcotics. Additionally, it defends civil cases involving the United States and collects debts owed to it.
Having joined the Department of Justice in 2018 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the same district he now leads, Keyes has handled various federal criminal cases including drug trafficking organizations and violent crime. He has held leadership roles such as Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinator and Deputy Criminal Chief.
Before his tenure at the Department of Justice, Keyes served on active duty with the U.S. Army’s Office of Military Commissions in Washington D.C., where he prosecuted alleged Al-Qaeda members detained at Guantanamo Bay. He also deployed to Kuwait during Operation Inherent Resolve as a legal advisor.
In addition to his current role, Keyes continues his service with the U.S. Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate providing humanitarian law instruction internationally.
Keyes holds multiple degrees from the University of Georgia including a law degree and remains involved with its alumni board for business school matters.
He succeeds C. Shanelle Booker who served as Acting U.S. Attorney since January and will continue her role as First Assistant U.S. Attorney (FAUSA). Keyes praised Booker stating she is “a gifted leader” who performed “an incredible job serving our District.”
The office is one among 94 nationwide under the direction of the Attorney General responsible for litigation matters.
For further information about their operations visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga.
