United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice Submits Her Resignation

            CONCORD, N.H.: New Hampshire’s United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice has announced her resignation, effective March 10, 2017. Ms. Rice was appointed as United States Attorney by President Barack Obama on the recommendation of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and with the support of Senator Kelly Ayotte, and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Since January, 2016, she has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of New Hampshire, and has led an office of over 40 employees dedicated to enforcing all federal criminal and civil laws in the state.

            In announcing her departure, Ms. Rice said, “I am deeply honored to have served the people of New Hampshire as United States Attorney, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by President Obama and our law enforcement and community partners.” Ms. Rice praised her colleagues at the United States Attorney’s Office and commended their dedication to public service:

            The members of this office are highly-experienced public servants who represent the interests of the United States with the utmost dedication and integrity. Working with my colleagues has been the greatest experience of my professional life, and I know that this will remain true no matter what I may do in the future.

            Ms. Rice also thanked federal, state and local law enforcement for their hard work and partnership in fighting crime in New Hampshire: "During my tenure as United States Attorney, New Hampshire faced unprecedented challenges to public health and safety, including the flood of illicit opioids into our state. I want to extend my profound gratitude to our federal partners, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, the New Hampshire State Police, the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, and the local police departments across New Hampshire, for their unfailing dedication to working with my office to improve the quality of life for all who live here."

            Ms. Rice expressed her gratitude to all of the community partners working to bring resources and assistance to the public: "I also want to recognize the tremendous work done by community partners in New Hampshire who serve vulnerable populations, and who work to combat addiction, human trafficking and violent crime and to support the victims of crime. Their energy and commitment are a consistent source of inspiration to me and my colleagues."

            In closing, Ms. Rice recognized and thanked First Assistant United States Attorney John J. Farley, who will serve as Acting United States Attorney pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act until a new presidentially-appointed United States Attorney takes office. “John has dedicated his entire legal career to public service and will lead the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire with distinction. He is a superb lawyer, a talented manager and a deeply-respected colleague who meets the highest standards of excellence. He has been an indispensable partner in leading this office, and the public can be confident that he will seamlessly continue the work of the Department of Justice.”

###