Sangamon Sun

United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris has announced his resignation, effective January 2, 2025. Harris plans to retire on the same day after a long career in public service. He expressed gratitude to Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin for recommending him as a nominee to President Joseph R. Biden.

Harris was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in February 2022 to the Attorney General’s Advisory Commission, representing one of 13 U.S. Attorneys nationwide.

Reflecting on his tenure, Harris stated, “Serving as United States Attorney after more than thirty years with the office has been the honor of a lifetime.” He praised law enforcement and colleagues for their dedication to justice.

Under Harris's leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted various cases including gun violence, financial fraud, drug trafficking, civil rights violations, and public corruption. Notable cases included prosecutions of Illinois correctional officers and former Illinois State Senator Sam McCann.

Harris received the Department of Justice’s Director’s Award in 2018 for his role in creating the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force. His office successfully prosecuted forced labor cases resulting in significant sentences under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

The Office also pursued convictions for carjacking, murder, armed robberies, kidnapping, and fraud during Harris's time as U.S. Attorney. Civil fraud actions led to substantial recoveries including a $12.5 million settlement with a Southern Illinois hospital.

Harris emphasized community safety: “Every day individuals in our Office go to work to make the Central District of Illinois safer.” He highlighted efforts against gun violence and financial fraudsters among other issues.

Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Harris served over three decades as an Assistant United States Attorney holding key positions like Chief of the Criminal Division. He had a successful trial record handling various offenses from drugs to political corruption.

Harris graduated from Howard University and earned his juris doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in 1976. His career includes roles such as Legal Counsel for state development offices and private practice specializing in employment litigation and criminal defense.

Married to Hirut Fisseha with two daughters Maya and Leah Harris, he mourns his son Fanuel who passed away in 2022.

The U.S. Attorney for the Central District oversees law enforcement across 46 counties with offices located in Springfield, Peoria, Moline, and Urbana responsible for federal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States government.