Will Thompson, Public Office Abandonment, West Virginia 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Will Thompson has announced his departure as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, effective immediately. The sudden exit has left many wondering what prompted this drastic decision.

Thompson, a native of Boone County, West Virginia, reflected on his time in office, stating, ‘Thinking that a boy who grew up in Boone County, West Virginia, would be able to serve his country in such a prestigious and vital role leaves me in awe.’ He expressed pride in the office’s accomplishments and its strengthened relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as the judiciary and general public.

Thompson was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on August 10, 2021, and confirmed by the United States Senate via voice vote on October 5, 2021. After taking his oath of office on October 13, 2021, Thompson led an office of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley.

Thompson credits former Senator Joe Manchin for securing his nomination from President Biden and Senator Shelley Moore Capito for helping him get confirmed by the Senate. He also acknowledges the relationships he built and strengthened with state officials and the district’s state prosecutors, sheriffs, and chiefs of police.

Thompson commends the Assistant United States Attorneys and support personnel who served with him, stating, ‘The people of this office are the true backbone of federal prosecution and representation in this district.’ He attributes his office’s success to the decline in overdose deaths, which he claims is the result of their revised strategy targeting mid- and upper-level drug distributors.

Thompson also takes credit for reducing violent crime and overall crime in the district. He attributes this reduction to improved communications and relationships with law enforcement partners, as well as securing federal grants to aid state and local partners in their efforts. He also implemented a review process to ensure there were no evidentiary issues in cases, working closely with law enforcement partners to address these concerns.

As United States Attorney, Thompson was the chief federal law enforcement officer in the southern half of West Virginia. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, including terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

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