- Jessica D. Aber was a U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 to 2025, appointed by President Joe Biden.
- She was born on September 9, 1981, in Walnut Creek, California, and passed away on March 22, 2025, at age 43 in Alexandria, Virginia.
- Aber had a distinguished legal career, including roles as an assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, with a focus on financial fraud, public corruption, and national security cases.
- Her notable cases included prosecuting former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell and securing a conviction against Siemens Energy Inc. for corporate espionage in 2024.
- She was committed to restoring trust in law enforcement, logging over 50,000 miles visiting communities across Virginia.
Early Life and Education
Jessica Diane Aber was born on September 9, 1981, in Walnut Creek, California. She pursued her higher education in Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the University of Richmond in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 2006. These academic achievements laid the foundation for her legal career in the state.
Legal Career and Leadership
Aber began her legal career as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) from 2006 to 2007, gaining insights into federal court proceedings. She then worked briefly as an associate at McGuireWoods from 2007 to 2008 before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for EDVA in 2009 as an assistant U.S. Attorney. Over the next decade, she prosecuted cases involving financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation.
From 2015 to 2016, she served as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, broadening her perspective on national criminal justice issues. Upon returning to EDVA, she became Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in 2016, leading and mentoring prosecutors.
In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated her as U.S. Attorney for EDVA, and she was confirmed by the Senate on October 5, 2021. She served until January 20, 2025, overseeing an office of nearly 300 staff members across Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News, serving over six million residents.
Notable Cases and Community Engagement
Aber’s tenure was marked by high-profile cases, including:
- The 2014 prosecution of former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell on corruption charges, where she secured a jury conviction, though it was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
- The 2024 conviction of Siemens Energy Inc. for corporate espionage, resulting in a $104 million penalty for stealing trade secrets from competitors.
- National security cases, such as the prosecution of CIA analyst Asif Rahman for leaking top secret information in 2024 and investigations into Russian-linked financial crimes and war crimes in Ukraine.
Beyond her prosecutorial work, Aber was dedicated to community engagement, logging over 50,000 miles visiting Virginia communities to restore trust in law enforcement. She emphasized an apolitical approach, stating, “We follow the facts and the law, trying to do it in an entirely apolitical way.”
Passing and Legacy
Tragically, Aber passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2025, at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, at age 43. Her death was mourned by colleagues, who remembered her as a mentor, leader, and advocate for justice. U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert described her as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and simply irreplaceable as a human being.” Her legacy includes her commitment to public service and her efforts to bridge law enforcement and communities.
A Comprehensive Examination of Jessica D. Aber’s Life and Career
Jessica Diane Aber, born on September 9, 1981, in Walnut Creek, California, was a prominent American lawyer whose career as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) from 2021 to 2025 exemplified her dedication to justice, public service, and community trust. Her unexpected passing on March 22, 2025, at age 43, in Alexandria, Virginia, marked the end of a remarkable journey that began in California and flourished in Virginia. This detailed examination explores her educational background, legal career, notable cases, and lasting legacy, providing a thorough understanding of her contributions to the legal system and society.
Educational Foundations and Early Influences
Aber’s academic journey was marked by excellence and a clear path toward public service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the University of Richmond in 2003, reflecting her commitment to academic rigor. She then pursued her legal education at William & Mary Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2006. These institutions, both located in Virginia, played a pivotal role in shaping her career, fostering a deep connection to the state where she would spend her professional life. Her education provided her with the tools to navigate complex legal challenges and laid the groundwork for her future leadership roles.
Legal Career: From Clerkship to Prosecutorial Leadership
Aber’s legal career began with a clerkship for then-Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2006 to 2007. This role offered her a front-row seat to federal court proceedings, enhancing her understanding of judicial processes and litigation strategies. Following this, she worked as an associate at the law firm McGuireWoods from 2007 to 2008, gaining experience in private practice before transitioning to public service.
In 2009, Aber joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for EDVA as an assistant United States attorney, marking the beginning of her prosecutorial career. Over the next six years, she handled a diverse array of cases, including financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation. Her work during this period demonstrated her legal acumen and dedication to upholding the law, earning her respect among peers and superiors.
From 2015 to 2016, Aber served on a detail assignment as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. This role allowed her to contribute to national criminal justice policy, providing her with a broader perspective on federal law enforcement priorities. Upon returning to EDVA, she was appointed Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in 2016, where she led and mentored a team of prosecutors, preparing her for her eventual role as U.S. Attorney.
Ascension to United States Attorney: Leadership and Impact
On August 10, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Jessica Aber to be the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a position that oversees federal prosecutions in a jurisdiction serving over six million residents across Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. Her nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 5, 2021, by voice vote, reflecting broad bipartisan support. She was sworn into office on October 12, 2021, by Chief Judge Mark Steven Davis and Judge M. Hannah Lauck, marking the beginning of her tenure as one of the few women to lead this prestigious office.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber managed an office of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel, handling cases that ranged from white-collar crime to national security threats. Her leadership was characterized by a hands-on approach, with a particular emphasis on community engagement. In a 2025 interview, she mentioned logging over 50,000 miles visiting various communities across Virginia, underscoring her goal to restore trust in law enforcement during a politically charged climate. She emphasized an apolitical approach, stating, “We follow the facts and the law, trying to do it in an entirely apolitical way,” highlighting her commitment to impartiality and justice.
Notable Cases: A Record of Significant Prosecutions
Aber’s career was marked by several high-profile cases that showcased her legal expertise and dedication to justice. Below is a detailed table of her notable cases, including those from her time as an assistant U.S. Attorney and during her tenure as U.S. Attorney:
| Case Name | Description | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert F. McDonnell Corruption | Prosecution of former Virginia Governor on corruption charges | 2014 | Jury conviction, later overturned by Supreme Court |
| Siemens Energy Inc. Espionage | Corporate espionage involving stealing trade secrets from competitors | 2024 | Guilty plea, $104 million penalty |
| Asif Rahman CIA Leak | Prosecution of CIA analyst for leaking top secret national defense information | 2024 | Pleaded guilty |
| Sergey Ivanov Money Laundering | Indictment of Russian national for money laundering services to cybercriminals | 2024 | Websites of three illicit cryptocurrency exchanges seized |
| Timur Shakhmametov Financial Crimes | Charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering | 2024 | Indictment |
| Virginia Company Tech Transshipment | Case against company and executives for illegally transshipping technology to Russia | 2024 | Ongoing at time of resignation |
| Russia-Affiliated War Crimes | Charging four individuals with war crimes in Ukraine, including torture | 2023 | Indictments issued |
These cases highlight Aber’s focus on public corruption, corporate accountability, and national security, particularly in countering threats from foreign actors. Her prosecution of Siemens Energy Inc. was particularly notable, as it resulted in a significant financial penalty and a criminal conviction on the company’s record, reinforcing accountability for corporate misconduct.
Community Engagement and Trust-Building Efforts
Beyond her prosecutorial duties, Aber was deeply committed to building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. She recognized the importance of transparency and accountability, especially in a politically charged environment. Her extensive travels, logging over 50,000 miles across Virginia, allowed her to engage directly with residents, listen to their concerns, and foster better relationships. This effort was part of her broader goal to restore trust in the criminal justice system, a priority she often emphasized in public statements and interviews.
Resignation and Unexpected Passing
Jessica Aber resigned as U.S. Attorney on January 20, 2025, to make way for the incoming administration’s appointee, marking the end of her tenure. Tragically, just two months later, on March 22, 2025, she passed away unexpectedly at her home in Alexandria, Virginia. Her death, at age 43, was a profound loss to the legal community and those who knew her. The Alexandria Police Department confirmed responding to a call about an unresponsive woman at 9:18 a.m. on March 22, finding her deceased at the scene. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was tasked with determining the cause and manner of death, with an investigation underway following standard protocol.
Legacy and Remembrance
Aber’s passing was met with widespread sorrow and tributes from colleagues and community leaders. U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert, who succeeded her, described her as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and simply irreplaceable as a human being.” Attorney General Jason Miyares also expressed condolences, noting her collaboration with his office on fighting gun crime and her work with Ceasefire Virginia, which saved lives. Colleagues remembered her as a generous mentor, a warm manager with a sharp eye for details, and a leader who set the standard for professionalism and grace.
Her legacy is one of dedication to justice, service to her community, and a commitment to the rule of law. Aber’s efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities, her leadership in high-profile cases, and her apolitical approach to prosecution continue to inspire those in the legal profession. Though her time was brief, her impact on the Eastern District of Virginia and beyond will endure for generations.