Maryland is set to welcome Kelly O. Hayes as its new acting U.S. Attorney, marking another shift within the state's federal prosecution office. Hayes was appointed to the role by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and is scheduled to be sworn in on the afternoon of March 3, 2025, by Chief District Judge George L. Russell III.
This change follows the resignation of Erek Barron, the former U.S. Attorney for Maryland, who stepped down on February 12, 2025, amid reports targeting Democratic-appointed attorneys across the country. Reports indicated those officials were being notified of their termination as part of current political shifts within the Department of Justice. For Maryland, this marks yet another change at the top, as Hayes becomes the second acting U.S. Attorney within just three weeks.
Before her appointment, Hayes served as the chief of the U.S. Attorney's Office's southern division since 2021 and has been with the office since 2013. She is thankfully not new to the challenges facing this key position. Her selection has drawn attention, especially considering she is just the third woman to ever lead Maryland’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, following Catherine C. Blake, who held the role temporarily from 1985 to 1986, and Lynne A. Battaglia, who served as U.S. Attorney from 1993 to 2001.
Upon her appointment, Hayes reached out to her staff via email, assuring them of her commitment: "I promise to provide more information in the coming days," she stated, signaling her plans to engage with her new colleagues as she steps onto this pivotal stage.
Rod J. Rosenstein, the former U.S. Attorney for Maryland from 2005 to 2017, enthusiastically endorsed Hayes, praising her experience and dedication. He emphasized her background, complementing her with the assessment, "Kelly Hayes is a brilliant lawyer of the highest character who has earned the respect of judges, defense lawyers, and colleagues." Rosenstein also highlighted the significant challenges faced by the office, stressing the need for morale restoration. Under Barron's leadership, he pointed out, productivity within the office had nearly collapsed, plummeting from 1,012 indictments in 2011 to just 461 by 2023.
The changing dynamics within the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office are underscored by previous revelations. A report by Bloomberg Law, which surveyed 25 current and former employees, cited management problems and declining morale under Barron. The sentiment among those who worked with him was mixed; many had hoped he would remain, including noted figures such as Baltimore’s State Attorney Ivan Bates and U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume.
While the much-publicized changes might come with uncertainties, Hayes' long-standing experience and past successes hint at potential avenues for improvement within the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office. Many observers are cautiously optimistic as the office prepares for its next chapter. There is hope, particularly from Rosenstein, who noted, "We need someone who can help restore morale and rebuild federal criminal enforcement after those tough years.”
With Hayes now at the helm, attention will inevitably turn to how she navigates the often politically charged environment and whether she will be nominated for the role permanently by President Trump. Until then, Maryland awaits the outcomes of this latest appointment, which could signal not only change within the office but may also influence broader federal prosecution dynamics statewide.
For those engaged with the inner workings of the office, there lurks anticipation about how Hayes' ascent might impact prosecutorial strategies and morale moving forward. The urgency for stability and strength within the office has never been greater, as many hope for rejuvenated efforts to effectively address crime and streamline justice across Maryland.
Kelly O. Hayes has taken the first step as acting U.S. Attorney. What her tenure will mean for Maryland's legal future now resides squarely on her capable shoulders as she seeks to balance the demands of law enforcement with the expectations of public service.