MA U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins To Resign Amid Ethics Investigation

BOSTON — Rachael Rollins, the progressive former Suffolk County district attorney who was sworn in as the state's top federal law enforcement officer 16 months ago after a bitter and prolonged Senate confirmation battle, will step down by the end of the week amid a federal ethics investigation, according to the Associated Press.

The AP reported that Rollins' lawyer said she will submit her letter of resignation to President Joe Biden by the end of business on Friday amid the months-long investigation by the Justice Department's inspector general into her appearance at a political fundraiser for first lady Jill Biden in Andover.

"Rachael has been profoundly honored to serve as U.S. Attorney over the past 16 months and is incredibly proud of all her office has accomplished during that limited time, especially in the areas of gun violence and civil rights," said her attorney, former Justice Department Inspector General
Michael Bromwich, in a statement to media outlets. "She is optimistic that the important work she started will continue but understands that her presence has become a distraction."

Rollins was one of President Biden's more divisive nominations in 2021 after her decision as Suffolk County DA not to prosecute some lower-level crimes in the name of criminal justice reform. Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in her 51-50 confirmation after the Senate Judiciary Committee was deadlocked on her nomination.

The AP reported that the inspector general's office launched an investigation into Rollins over her appearance at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser featuring the first lady last year. The AP reported that the probe has since expanded into other areas, including her use of a personal cell phone to conduct Justice Department business and a trip she took to California that was paid for by an outside group.

The inspector general's office has yet to issue a report on its findings.

Bromwich's statement to the media on Tuesday said: "After the dust settles and she resigns, Rachael will make herself available to answer questions. Until then, she reminds the public of the vitally important work the office does and thanks her colleagues for their service to the Commonwealth and the nation."