Feb 21, 2025 Story by: Editor
ASHEVILLE – Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, has officially announced her resignation, stepping down as the region’s top federal law enforcement officer.
King is the last of North Carolina’s three U.S. Attorneys to resign following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, paving the way for his administration to appoint successors. Two other federal prosecutors, Michael Easley Jr. and Sandra Hairston—both nominated by former President Joe Biden—resigned in January. Easley represented the Eastern District, while Hairston served in the Middle District.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of the Western District of North Carolina,” King stated in a news release. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented public servants who are dedicated to serving our communities with integrity, distinction, and excellence.”
King, who was nominated by Biden in September 2021 and confirmed shortly after by the U.S. Senate, made history as the first person of color appointed to this position in the Western District of North Carolina, headquartered in Charlotte, according to the release.
During her tenure, King spearheaded several key initiatives, including the launch of the district’s first-ever Civil Rights Team, which prioritized enforcing civil rights laws. She also reestablished the Health Care Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency collaboration between federal and state law enforcement and regulatory bodies aimed at uncovering fraudulent activities in the health care sector. The task force successfully recovered millions in restitution through settlements with corporations and individuals, the release stated.
In an interview with the Citizen Times last year, King reaffirmed her commitment to prosecuting child predators and those who exploit vulnerable individuals. Under her leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office pursued numerous cases against child predators, securing justice and restitution for victims of sexual exploitation. She also worked closely with local school systems, including Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools, to educate students on preventing school violence and teen dating violence through leadership and positive conflict resolution, according to the release.
King emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as engaging with community stakeholders. She led training sessions on key Department of Justice priorities, including violent crime, civil rights, and human trafficking.
Additionally, she played an advisory role to Attorney General Josh Stein through his Advisory Committee, chairing the Juvenile Violence Subcommittee and contributing to the Civil Rights and Native American Issues Subcommittees.
“Being U.S. Attorney is an incredible job,” King said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to have served in this role, and I will always be incredibly thankful for the opportunity.”
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, King served as deputy criminal chief for the district under then-U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray, who currently holds the position of district attorney for Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties. She also led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program as its primary task force attorney.
Following King’s departure, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron will assume the role of acting U.S. Attorney until a successor is appointed. Source: Citizen Times
