WASHINGTON – Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins formally resigned Friday after wide-ranging investigations by two federal watchdog agencies found she tried to use her position to influence a local election and lied to investigators.
In a letter to President Joe Biden obtained by The Associated Press, Rollins thanked the White House for its support during his contentious nomination process and said he wishes the administration “the best of luck in the months and years coming”.
His resignation comes two days after scathing reports from the Justice Department’s inspector general and another watchdog outlined a litany of alleged misconduct by Massachusetts’ top federal law enforcement officer.
He first reported Tuesday that Rollins would leave the prestigious federal post that has sometimes served as a stepping stone to higher office. His lawyer, Michael Bromwich, a former Justice Department inspector general, said he “understands that his presence has become a distraction.”
The AP revealed in November that the inspector general had opened an ethics investigation into Rollins after she was photographed last July at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser with first lady Jill Biden. The investigation quickly expanded to explore other issues, including the use of his personal cell phone for Justice Department business.
It’s a stunning fall for Rollins, who was praised by powerful Democrats and seen as a rising progressive star back in the day. appointed to the position in 2021.
She was the first woman of color to be elected district attorney in Massachusetts and the first black woman to serve as U.S. attorney. She was elected district attorney for Suffolk County, which includes Boston, in 2018 on a promise to reject prosecution for certain low-level crimes, drawing the ire of police and business groups.
He received strong support from U.S. senators from Massachusetts and it took Vice President Kamala Harris twice to tie in the Senate to win confirmation amid stiff opposition from Republicans, who criticized his progressive policies as district attorney as to radical and dangerous.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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