Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead in her home on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025. The 43-year-old lawyer's untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the legal community, coming just two months after she resigned from her position following the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
According to Alexandria police, officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:18 a.m. Upon arrival, they confirmed that Aber was deceased. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, although they have stated that no foul play is suspected at this time. An investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Aber was appointed to her role in August 2021 by President Joe Biden and was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate. During her tenure, she made headlines for overseeing several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Asif Rahman, a former CIA analyst, who pleaded guilty to leaking sensitive documents detailing Israel's plans for a strike on Iran. Her work in the Eastern District of Virginia, known as the "Rocket Docket" for its swift case processing, positioned her at the center of significant national security matters.
Aber's career was marked by her dedication to justice and public service. Beginning as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2009, she tackled a wide array of cases involving financial fraud, public corruption, and child exploitation. In 2015, she took on a detailed assignment as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Criminal Division, before returning to the Eastern District as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division until her appointment as U.S. Attorney. Her passion for the law and her commitment to upholding justice earned her significant respect in her field, culminating in the Assistant Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service in 2019.
In the wake of her death, Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed his heartbreak over the loss of his predecessor. "We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, US attorney Jessica Aber. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world," he said publicly.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Aber as an "exceptional public servant who dedicated her life to serving her fellow Virginians." Such statements reflect the profound impact Aber had on those with whom she worked and the communities she served.
Aber's departure from her role just after Trump's inauguration was seen as part of the common transitional processes between presidential administrations, where U.S. attorneys often resign or are replaced. However, her contributions to the legal landscape, particularly in cases involving Russian fraud and efforts to enforce sanctions amid geopolitical instability, will resonate beyond her tenure.
In addition to her notable cases against foreign entities, Aber also secured indictments against individuals linked to money laundering schemes and was instrumental in pursuing war crimes against Russian soldiers, underlining her commitment to ensuring justice was served. Her statement regarding the war crimes was particularly poignant: "We are proud to be at the forefront of the justice department's effort to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable in Ukraine."
As more details emerge regarding Aber's death and the investigation continues, the legal community and her friends remember her as a dedicated professional who passionately pursued justice.
While there are still many unknowns surrounding her passing, what remains clear is that Aber's legacy will continue to inspire those who strive to serve their communities and uphold the integrity of the law. Her service is marked not just by her professional accolades, but by the profound respect she earned from colleagues and those who sought her counsel and mentorship. Jessica Aber’s contributions to the field of law will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the Eastern District of Virginia and beyond.
