Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced that United States Attorney Gary M. Restaino has completed his service to the Department, effective yesterday.
Mr. Restaino was informed of his termination in a communication from the White House. As a Presidential appointee, Mr. Restaino is subject to removal from office in the discretion of the sitting President. The White House thanked him for his service to the United States.
“Getting the opportunity to lead an Office in which I have worked for many years has been energizing,” said U.S. Attorney Restaino. “I am grateful to President Biden for the appointment, to Senators Kelly and Sinema for their support of my nomination, and to Attorney General Garland for his stewardship of the Department of Justice. And most of all I am thankful for our people here in Arizona – the dedicated prosecutors, victim advocates and administrative professionals at the United States Attorney’s Office, as well as the agents, analysts, and accountants at our federal law enforcement agencies – who work collaboratively and collegially with state and local partners and leaders of underserved communities to make Arizona a better and safer place.”
Since 2021 the Office has continued its strong efforts at border security, enhanced violent crime prosecutions and increased civil rights prosecutions and interventions.
Border Security
Violent Crime Prosecutions
Civil Rights
Mr. Restaino became United States Attorney in November 2021 after 20 years of service as a federal employee, including two years in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and 18 years as an Assistant United States Attorney here in Arizona. During his tenure, Mr. Restaino served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, advising Attorney General Garland on matters of policy, procedure, and management, and also elevating the voices of the U.S. Attorney community in Washington. In addition, for nearly 90 days in the spring and summer of 2022, and at the direction of President Biden, Mr. Restaino served the women and men of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as their Acting Director, pending the confirmation of the agency’s nominee.
Pursuant to the Vacancy Reform Act, career prosecutor and First Assistant United States Attorney Rachel C. Hernandez currently serves as the Acting United States Attorney for the District.
The United States Attorney’s Office represents the interests of the United States in criminal and civil cases in federal court in Arizona, coordinates the efforts of its federal law enforcement partners, advocates for the rights of victims, and enhances and strengthens communities through dialogue, outreach, and engagement. The Office currently has approximately 180 Assistant United States Attorneys and approximately 160 additional administrative professionals spread between two large offices in Phoenix and Tucson, and two smaller branch offices in Yuma and Flagstaff.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-018_Departure of United States Attorney Gary M. Restaino
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
2025-018_Departure of United States Attorney Gary M. Restaino