Combs appointed interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas

PLANO, Texas – The Attorney General has appointed Jay R. Combs as the interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas on November 19, 2025.

“I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for the opportunity they have given me to continue my service to the American people.  It is both a tremendous responsibility and a great privilege,” said Combs. “The office I lead is at the forefront in the mission of pursuing justice and protecting our communities and our country as a part of Operation Take Back America.”

Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.                            

Combs has served as the Acting U.S. Attorney since May 24, 2025, and is the chief federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of Texas, which includes 43 counties stretching from the Oklahoma border to the Gulf of America. The district includes six fully staffed offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler with 93 employees, including 50 prosecutors.  Combs is responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal offenses in the district and will represent the United States in all civil litigation in the district.

Prior to serving as Acting U.S. Attorney, Combs worked as the Chief of the Plano Branch Office for the Eastern District of Texas, overseeing the day-to-day operations of that office.  Combs worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) for the Western District of Texas from 2006-2010 when he first joined the Eastern District of Texas as an AUSA.

Before joining the Department, Combs served in the United States Army.  He served two combat tours in the Army earning several awards including the Bronze Star medal.

Combs has lived in Texas for over twenty years but originally hails from Springerville, Arizona.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and his law degree from the University of New Mexico.  He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 30 years and they have seven children.

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