Russ Ferguson Confirmed as U.S. Attorney for Western North Carolina

Russ Ferguson will continue leading the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina after being confirmed by the United States Senate on December 18 as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney. Nominated by President Donald Trump, Ferguson’s commission was formally signed on December 23. He took the oath of office on Christmas Eve, administered by Senior United States District Judge Frank D. Whitney.

Ferguson previously served as interim United States Attorney after being appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on March 3, 2025, and sworn in on March 11. He was unanimously appointed to the role by all federal judges in the district effective June 30, 2025, before receiving the presidential nomination on July 30.

As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Western District of North Carolina, Ferguson oversees federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States. He leads an office of nearly 100 federal prosecutors and professional staff serving 32 counties across western North Carolina. The district includes the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the largest federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River, as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the country.

According to a news release, Ferguson has implemented several initiatives since taking office. These include increasing prosecutions through Operation Take Back America, an effort aimed at dismantling gang and cartel networks operating in Western North Carolina and targeting drug-induced violence and large-scale drug trafficking. He has also strengthened partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to increase prosecutions of convicted felons in possession of illegal firearms, repeat offenders, and individuals identified as drivers of violent crime.

The release also notes expanded outreach to nonprofit organizations and community advocates to enhance crime prevention strategies, education, and engagement, particularly in rural counties. Ferguson has prioritized cases involving older adults and children, and has focused on recouping public funds and protecting government-funded programs through increased criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions related to fraud.

Ferguson brings more than 16 years of legal experience to the role. He began his career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he tried 28 cases to verdict. He also served as legislative counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Before returning to public service, Ferguson was a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, where he led the firm’s complex litigation group and handled high-profile civil and criminal matters in courtrooms and arbitration tribunals around the world.

His professional achievements have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, North Carolina Business Elite, and the Charlotte Business Journal’s Forty Under Forty Award. He was also honored by the Mecklenburg County Bar as Best Individual Attorney for his dedication to pro bono service. Ferguson has written and presented extensively on federal criminal practice and complex litigation.

In addition to his professional work, Ferguson has remained active in community service. He serves on the Board of NourishUp, Charlotte’s food pantry and meals-on-wheels organization, and has previously served on Keep Charlotte Beautiful, to which he was appointed by the City Council, as well as on the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Board of Directors.