In the rolling hills and bustling towns of Pennsylvania’s Middle District, one man stands as a beacon of law and order—John C. Gurganus, the Acting United States Attorney whose career is a testament to grit, dedication, and an unshakable commitment to justice. Appointed to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Gurganus has spent over three decades in the Department of Justice, earning a reputation as a fierce prosecutor, a compassionate leader, and a true American patriot. His story is one that resonates with the values Americans hold dear—hard work, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of fairness.
Early Life: A Middle-Class American Dream
Born on July 22, 1962, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, John Gurganus grew up in a tight-knit, blue-collar family. His father, a steelworker, and his mother, a school librarian, instilled in him a love for learning and a deep respect for the rule of law. Young John was no stranger to hard work—summers spent mowing lawns and winters shoveling snow taught him the value of earning an honest living. A standout student at Scranton High School, he captained the debate team, sharpening the skills that would later define his courtroom prowess.
Gurganus’s academic journey took him to Villanova University, where he graduated with honors in 1983 with a B.A. in Political Science. Fueled by a passion for justice, he went on to earn his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1986. It was here, amid the hallowed halls of South Bend, Indiana, that he found his calling—not just to practice law, but to serve the public.
A Career Forged in Service
Gurganus’s legal career kicked off with a prestigious clerkship under the late Honorable Richard P. Conaboy, a U.S. District Court Judge in Scranton. This formative experience gave him a front-row seat to the federal judiciary, shaping his understanding of justice as both a shield and a sword. In 1988, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program, starting as a Trial Attorney in the Antitrust Division’s New York City Field Office. It was a baptism by fire—tackling complex cases in the Big Apple honed his skills and steeled his resolve.
By 1989, Gurganus returned to his Pennsylvania roots, taking up the mantle of Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District. Over the next 33 years, he climbed the ranks, serving as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Chief, Deputy Criminal Chief, and Lead Task Force Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. His caseload reads like a crime novel—public corruption, drug trafficking, violent crimes, tax evasion, child exploitation, and even terrorism. Yet, behind every case was a mission: to protect the everyday Americans who call this district home.
A Leader in Crisis
On November 17, 2021, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland tapped Gurganus as Acting United States Attorney, a role he embraced with characteristic humility and determination. Reappointed by the District Court Judges in March 2022, he has led with a steady hand through turbulent times. His tenure has seen landmark victories—prosecuting drug overdose cases that saved lives, securing a guilty verdict against a terrorist sympathizer, and cracking down on fraudsters exploiting COVID-19 relief programs. For these efforts, he’s earned two Department of Justice Director’s Awards for Superior Performance—an honor that speaks to his excellence.
Gurganus’s leadership shines brightest in his collaboration with local heroes—sheriffs, police chiefs, and community leaders. In 2022, he honored eight individuals with U.S. Attorney’s Awards, recognizing their contributions to public safety. From U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane’s lifetime service to Chief Detective Michael Dessoye’s partnership-building, Gurganus has fostered a team spirit that echoes America’s can-do ethos.
The Man Behind the Badge
Beyond the courtroom, John Gurganus is a family man and a community pillar. Married to his college sweetheart, Ellen, a nurse, they’ve raised two children in South Abington Township, Pennsylvania. A devout Catholic, he’s a fixture at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, often volunteering at church fundraisers. An avid fly fisherman, he finds solace casting lines along the Susquehanna River—a quiet counterpoint to his high-stakes career.
Friends describe him as a straight shooter with a dry wit, always ready with a story from his days chasing mobsters or a tip on tying the perfect trout fly. His office, adorned with Notre Dame memorabilia and photos of his kids, reflects a man who balances duty with devotion.
A Legacy for America
As Acting U.S. Attorney, Gurganus oversees a district spanning 33 counties, from the coal towns of Lackawanna to the farmlands of Clinton. His work isn’t just about locking up bad guys—it’s about building a safer, stronger America. Whether it’s dismantling meth rings in Bradford County or sentencing child predators in Huntingdon, he’s driven by a belief that justice is the bedrock of freedom.
At 62, Gurganus shows no signs of slowing down. His interim role may one day give way to a presidential appointee, but his legacy is already cemented—a scrappy kid from Scranton who rose to defend the nation he loves. For Americans who cherish law, order, and the pursuit of happiness, John C. Gurganus is a hero worth celebrating.