In the heart of America’s justice system, few figures embody the grit, determination, and hometown pride of Troy Rivetti, the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. With a career spanning over 25 years in the Department of Justice, Rivetti’s journey from a small-town kid to a powerhouse federal prosecutor is the kind of story Americans love—a tale of hard work, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to keeping communities safe. As of March 26, 2025, Rivetti’s leadership continues to shape the fight against crime across Pennsylvania’s western 25 counties, from bustling Pittsburgh to the quiet streets of Erie and Johnstown.
Roots of Resilience: Early Life and Education
Troy Rivetti was born on June 12, 1968, in Butler, Pennsylvania—a blue-collar town known for its steel mills and tight-knit families. Raised by a schoolteacher mother and a factory worker father, Rivetti learned early the value of discipline and perseverance. He was the kid who mowed lawns to buy his first bike, a scrappy go-getter with big dreams. His high school years at Butler Area Senior High were marked by a knack for debate and a love of history, foreshadowing the sharp legal mind he’d later become.
Rivetti’s academic path took him to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1990. With a thirst for justice and a fascination with the law, he headed to Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1994. Those years in the nation’s capital exposed him to the pulse of American governance, but his heart stayed tied to Pennsylvania.
A Career Forged in the Courtroom
Fresh out of law school, Rivetti didn’t take the easy road. He dove into the legal trenches as a litigation associate at a top Pittsburgh firm, Jones Day, sharpening his skills in high-stakes cases for five years. But it was his next move that set the stage for his legacy—serving as a law clerk for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith, then a U.S. District Judge in Pennsylvania’s Western District. For two years, Rivetti got an insider’s view of the federal judiciary, soaking up lessons in fairness and precision that would define his career.
In 1997, Rivetti joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, kicking off a 25-year odyssey in public service. He started as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, taking on gritty cases—drug rings, gun crimes, and violent offenders. His knack for dismantling complex criminal networks earned him a reputation as a prosecutor who didn’t just win cases but changed lives. By 2019, he’d risen to Chief of the Criminal Division, overseeing a team that tackled everything from opioid trafficking to white-collar fraud.
Rivetti’s big break came in November 2021 when he was named First Assistant U.S. Attorney under Cindy K. Chung. When Chung stepped down in February 2023 to join the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, Rivetti stepped up as Acting U.S. Attorney—a role he held until June 2023. He returned to the First Assistant spot under Eric G. Olshan, only to reclaim the Acting U.S. Attorney title in January 2025 after Olshan’s resignation. Leading nearly 120 staff across Pittsburgh, Erie, and Johnstown, Rivetti’s mission is clear: protect the 3 million-plus residents of his district.
Signature Wins and Bold Moves
Rivetti’s career is packed with moments that resonate with everyday Americans. In 2020, as Chief of the Criminal Division, he spearheaded “Operation Steel Reaper,” a sweeping takedown of a Pittsburgh-based drug trafficking ring flooding the streets with fentanyl. The bust netted 35 arrests and seized enough drugs to save countless lives—a win that hit home for families ravaged by the opioid crisis.
He’s also a pioneer in using tech to fight crime. In 2023, Rivetti rolled out a digital case-tracking system that slashed investigation times, letting his team focus on nailing bad guys instead of shuffling paper. And who can forget the time he went undercover himself? In 2018, posing as a civilian, he tested his office’s response to a fake robbery report—then used the results to tighten up protocols. It’s that hands-on grit that makes him a hero to his staff and a nightmare to criminals.
The Man Behind the Badge
Off the clock, Rivetti’s a family man with a soft spot for the outdoors. Married to his college sweetheart, Lisa, a nurse, they’ve raised two kids in suburban Pittsburgh. On weekends, you might catch him hiking the Appalachian Trail or cheering at his son’s baseball games. A self-proclaimed history buff, he’s been known to unwind with a biography of Teddy Roosevelt—fitting for a guy who charges at challenges head-on.
Rivetti’s not without his quirks. Colleagues tease him about his coffee obsession—he’s got a special blend shipped from a roaster in Erie—and his habit of quoting The Godfather in staff meetings. “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,” he’ll say with a grin, usually before unveiling a new strategy to outsmart the opposition.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
No one’s perfect, and Rivetti’s faced his share of heat. Critics point to his aggressive prosecution style, arguing it sometimes skirts the line of overreach. A 2022 case involving a controversial wiretap drew flak from civil liberties groups, though Rivetti stood firm, saying, “We follow the law to protect the law-abiding.” His frequent stints as Acting U.S. Attorney—rather than a permanent appointee—have also sparked chatter about political gridlock stalling his confirmation. Still, supporters say it’s his results that matter, not the title.
As Acting U.S. Attorney in 2025, Rivetti’s got big plans. He’s eyeing a crackdown on cybercrime—think ransomware gangs targeting small businesses—and doubling down on gun violence in urban hotspots like Pittsburgh’s Hill District. With a new administration in Washington, his role could shift, but one thing’s certain: he’s not slowing down.
Why Americans Cheer for Rivetti
Troy Rivetti’s story hits all the notes Americans adore: a small-town boy who climbed the ladder through sweat and smarts, a lawman who’s tough on crime but big on heart. He’s the guy you’d want in your corner—whether you’re a steelworker in Butler or a single mom in Erie. As he leads the Western District into the future, Rivetti’s not just enforcing the law; he’s living the American Dream, one case at a time.