Durkan Steps Down After 5 Years Battling Cybercrime & Cartels

SEATTLE, WA – After five years at the helm of the Western District of Washington, U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced today she will step down at the end of the month. Her tenure was defined by a relentless pursuit of cybercriminals, dismantling of drug cartels, and a hard line against white-collar fraud. Durkan, first nominated by President Obama in May 2009 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in September 2009, leaves behind a legacy of proactive enforcement and significant asset recovery.

Durkan’s national profile rose from her tireless work in combating cybercrime. She chaired Attorney General Eric Holder’s advisory Subcommittee on Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Enforcement since 2009, playing a key role in crafting the Department of Justice’s cyber strategy and forging international partnerships to bolster cybersecurity. She didn’t just talk the talk; her office actively disrupted threats, most notably a plot to bomb a military recruiting office in Seattle – a building that also housed a daycare. The perpetrators were apprehended and convicted, averting a potential tragedy.

Under Durkan, the U.S. Attorney’s office shifted toward “hot spot” initiatives targeting persistent crime areas, with a focus on armed criminals and gun violence. These efforts weren’t just about putting bodies behind bars; they were coupled with aggressive forfeiture actions. This year alone, the office, working with DOJ and other U.S. Attorneys, recovered over $800 million, with an additional $22 million seized through independent investigations. The goal: strip criminals of their ill-gotten gains and return funds to taxpayers.

Durkan’s office earned national recognition for its relentless pursuit of cartel-related drug trafficking organizations. These cases were characterized by sophisticated financial analyses and extensive use of wiretaps, unraveling complex networks and bringing down kingpins. Assuming office amidst the 2008 financial meltdown, Durkan also took a firm stance against “white collar” crime, securing convictions and substantial prison sentences for those who exploited the system. She wasn’t afraid to go after the suits.

Beyond traditional criminal prosecutions, Durkan prioritized civil rights. She established a dedicated civil rights section within the U.S. Attorney’s office, increasing enforcement of laws protecting employment rights, particularly for returning military personnel. Her office also collaborated with the DOJ Civil Rights Division to investigate allegations of excessive force and biased policing within the Seattle Police Department, leading to broad reforms and ongoing monitoring under a consent decree.

“As United States Attorney for Western Washington, Jenny has served as a tireless advocate for the American people,” stated Attorney General Eric Holder. “Jenny has been an exceptional leader… I am certain that the people of Western Washington will continue to benefit from her service.” Durkan herself stated she was “honored to serve the communities in Western Washington,” leaving a clear mark on the region’s fight against crime and a high bar for her successor.