U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris for the Central District of Illinois has announced his resignation, effective mid-day January 2, 2025. Harris, the first Black U.S. Attorney in the district's history, plans to retire after serving over three decades as a federal prosecutor.

Nominated by President Biden and confirmed in December 2021, Harris thanked Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin for their support. During his tenure, he led significant prosecutions, including cases involving civil rights violations, financial fraud, drug trafficking, and public corruption.

Among the high-profile cases under his leadership were the convictions of Illinois correctional officers for civil rights abuses, the prosecution of former state senator Sam McCann for campaign fund misuse, and a $22 million investment fraud scheme affecting victims nationwide. Harris also prioritized combating human trafficking, securing life imprisonment for a defendant in a forced labor case under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Reflecting on his career, Harris said, “Serving as U.S. Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime. I hope our work has positively impacted the community, making it safer and upholding justice for all.”

Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Harris held leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the Criminal Division, and handled over 35 jury trials. He has also worked in private practice and for the Illinois government.

Harris is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. He plans to retire in Springfield, where he has lived since 1976.