Tara M. Lyons, Leadership Position, Georgia 2025

SAVANNAH, GA:

Tara M. Lyons has been named Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, the first Black woman to serve in the role as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia.

Lyons, a resident of Evans, Georgia, has served as a law clerk for the Honorable Henry F. Floyd; as a Public Defender in Richland County, South Carolina; an attorney advisor for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys; as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division, District of South Carolina; and Deputy Chief in the Criminal Division, Southern District of Georgia. She served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney since April 2023.

During her 20-year career with the U.S. government, Lyons has handled a wide range of federal cases related to violent crimes, human trafficking, child pornography and civil rights violations. In the District of South Carolina, she served as the Project Sentry Coordinator, related to the prevention of gun violence; and in Southern District of Georgia, she served as the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, responsible for the prosecution of childhood exploitation cases, and as the Civil Rights Coordinator, responsible for the prosecution of color of law and civil right violations.

As Acting U.S. Attorney, Lyons serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia, which covers 43 of Georgia’s 159 counties with a population of more than 1.6 million people and includes the cities of Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick. She leads a team of more than 70 attorneys and staff in prosecuting federal crimes in the District and defending the United States in civil cases and collecting debts owed to the United States.

Lyons brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and her leadership will be instrumental in addressing the complex and evolving challenges facing the Southern District of Georgia.

Lyons’ appointment is a testament to her exceptional qualifications and dedication to serving the people of Georgia.

The Southern District of Georgia is a critical region for federal law enforcement, and Lyons’ leadership will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Related Federal Cases