What To Know About Jessica Aber, the Former US Attorney Found Dead in Home

Jessica Aber, a former prominent federal prosecutor known for handling high-profile national security cases, has been found dead in her Alexandria, Virginia home, leaving authorities to determine what caused her death.

Key Takeaways

Jessica Aber, 43, former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead in her home over the weekend, leaving police to determine her cause of death.
Aber was a Biden appointee who resigned when President Trump took office, having handled sensitive cases involving CIA leaks, Russian fraud operations, and war crimes.
A family friend said officials believe the death may be related to a longstanding medical issue, though an autopsy has not yet been performed.
During her tenure, Aber managed approximately 300 personnel in a significant federal prosecutor’s office that specialized in national security and terrorism cases.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares both issued statements praising Aber’s public service and contributions.

Discovery and Initial Investigation

Alexandria police discovered Jessica Aber unresponsive at her home on the 900 block of Beverley Drive after receiving a call around 9:18 a.m. on Sunday. Reports indicate the 911 caller refused to perform CPR, though the identity of this caller has not been disclosed. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into the death of the 43-year-old former prosecutor, who until recently had been responsible for some of the nation’s most sensitive legal cases.

While authorities have not officially announced a cause of death, a family friend has told reporters they believe it resulted from a preexisting medical condition. An autopsy has not yet been completed to confirm this assessment. The Alexandria Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Former US Attorney found dead in Virginia home at 43 https://t.co/TSjCHzdIed

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Legal Career

Nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021, Aber served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, one of the nation’s most significant federal prosecutor’s offices with approximately 300 personnel. She began her career in the Eastern District in 2009 and steadily advanced, becoming deputy chief of the criminal division in 2016. From 2015 to 2016, she also served as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.

Her tenure in office ended with her resignation on the day President Donald Trump took office, following the traditional practice of US Attorneys when a new administration from a different political party assumes power. Despite the political transition, her work on critical national security matters earned bipartisan respect throughout her career.

High-Profile National Security Cases

Aber built a reputation handling some of the nation’s most sensitive legal matters. She successfully prosecuted Asif Rahman, a former CIA analyst who pleaded guilty to leaking top secret information about Israeli military strategies. During that case, she said that Rahman had “disclosed top secret American documents in violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law.”

Her office also indicted Russian nationals Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov for money laundering and fraud operations. During that investigation, Aber said that “Every step cybercriminals take in their pursuit of money leaves another track that leads us to their doorstep.” Additionally, she played a key role in indicting four Russian soldiers for war crimes against an American in Ukraine and investigated a Virginia company accused of illegally transferring sensitive technology to Russia.

Tributes

Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from colleagues and officials across the political spectrum. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed that Aber’s death was “deeply tragic” and extended condolences to her family and friends. Current US Attorney Erik Siebert and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also praised her contributions to public safety and national security.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize,” Attorney General of Virginia Jason Miyares said of Aber.