PLANO, Texas – A New Leader Takes the Helm
On November 19, 2025, Jay R. Combs was appointed as the interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas by the Attorney General.
Combs has been serving 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.
Combs expressed his gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for the opportunity to continue his service to the American people.
‘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,’ Combs said.
‘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,’ Combs added.
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 a strong background in law enforcement, having served in the United States Army and earning several awards, including the Bronze Star medal.
Before joining the Department, 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.
Combs is married to his wife, Melissa, and they have seven children.
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.
With Combs at the helm, the Eastern District of Texas is poised to continue its mission of pursuing justice and protecting its communities.
Jay R. Combs is the interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, a position he has been serving in since May 24, 2025.
The Eastern District of Texas includes 43 counties, spanning from the Oklahoma border to the Gulf of America.
The district has six fully staffed offices, employing 93 individuals, including 50 prosecutors.
Combs is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district and representing the United States in all civil litigation.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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