Message from U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes
During the past six months, it has been my privilege to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. In this short time, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and integrity of our team. Every day, our office works alongside our federal, state, and local partners to pursue justice, protect the public, and uphold the rule of law.
Together, we are making significant progress in several key areas. We are bringing impactful prosecutions that disrupt violent crime and drug trafficking networks, while also safeguarding vulnerable members of our community from exploitation, fraud, and abuse. Our criminal and civil divisions are advancing cases that protect taxpayer dollars and ensure accountability from those who seek to defraud the government. At the same time, our outreach and reentry efforts are strengthening relationships with community organizations and reinforcing our shared commitment to prevention and public safety.
These accomplishments are not possible without strong partnerships. I am grateful to our colleagues across federal agencies, as well as our state and local law enforcement and prosecutor partners, whose collaboration is essential to our success. The challenges we face are complex, but by working together, we are achieving meaningful results for the people of Maryland and the United States.
As we look ahead, our office will continue to focus on protecting our communities from criminals both within and outside our borders, standing up for victims, and ensuring that justice is done swiftly and fairly. It is an honor to serve as U.S. Attorney, and I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished so far. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
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Six Months on the Job for Kelly O. Hayes as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes with Chief Judge George L. Russell III, after her re-appointment ceremony.
The Hayes Era continues.
Four months after the United States Attorney General appointed Kelly O. Hayes United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Hayes was re-appointed by the District of Maryland judges. Following the re-appointment, Chief Judge George L. Russell III, administered the oath of office for Hayes to remain as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Maryland.
Pursuant to the Vacancy Reform Act, 28 U.S.C. § 546, the Attorney General has the authority to name a U.S. Attorney to serve on an interim basis for up to 120 days. After that time, if a successor isn’t nominated and confirmed, the district court may appoint a U.S. Attorney to serve until the confirmation of his or her successor.
In June, the District of Maryland judges voted to re-appoint Hayes as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Hayes U.S. Attorney in February 2025. Hayes previously served as Chief of the Office’s Southern Division, beginning in 2021.
As U.S. Attorney, Hayes continues to serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the District of Maryland. Under Hayes’s leadership, public safety, national security, and the protection of children are top priorities for the District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys continue to work directly with law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders of these and other federal crimes.
Operation Take Back America: Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office Prosecuting Multiple MS-13 Cases
 The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (USAO-MD) continues to advance multiple cases connected to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Operation Take Back America initiative.
On July 15, three men, who are alleged members and associates of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha — commonly known as MS-13 — made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland after they were indicted for allegedly killing a homeless man in connection with their involvement with MS-13.
Then on July 16, USAO-MD unsealed an indictment, charging four members of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas (CLS) clique of MS-13 in Baltimore, with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Conspiracy. The defendants allegedly committed multiple murders, engaged in drug distribution, and extorted victims.
On July 17, an El Salvadoran citizen and national pled guilty to illegally re-entering the United States following a felony conviction for accessory after the fact, murder first degree. After he served his sentence, and was removed from the United States to El Salvador via airplane, the defendant voluntarily and unlawfully re-entered the United States without inspection on an unknown date.
Then on July 31, a Mexican citizen and national, pled guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after previously being deported. On September 9, 2021, law enforcement found Contreras-Nolasco unlawfully in the U.S. when they arrested him for rape in Rockville, Maryland. Then on March 31, 2022, Contreras-Nolasco pled guilty to second-degree rape and a second-degree sex offense in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.
Additionally, on August 15, USAO-MD announced that it filed criminal complaints against two illegal aliens in connection with assaults and resisting arrest during encounters with Federal law enforcement.
A nationwide initiative, Operation Take Back America marshals the full resources of the DOJ to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), while protecting our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
DOJ Unleashes Nationwide Crackdown
on Child Sex Abuse Offenders
In Spring 2025, over a five-day span, federal law-enforcement agencies partnered to arrest 205 criminals across the country.
Their crime? These individuals are charged with committing disturbing sexual crimes against children.
With various everyday technology platforms at people’s fingertips, child sexual exploitation has developed into a global epidemic. In May, the Department unleashed Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated effort to bring child sex offenders to justice. The operation also resulted in the rescue of 115 children.
All U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and every FBI Field Office contributed to the nationwide crackdown.
In Maryland, in connection with the operation, Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr., 29, of West Virginia, was indicted for sexually exploiting a minor. The former Baltimore resident is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Additionally, Joel Thomas Biermann, 46, of University Park, Maryland, was indicted for multiple child exploitation offenses. Biermann is charged with two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Offenders arrested around the country allegedly committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
 No organization is above the law.
From major corporations to relatively unknown companies – if they fail to comply with federal laws and regulations, the Department of Justice (DOJ) holds them accountable.
In January 2025, the DOJ, in tandem with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), filed a civil complaint against Walgreens. One of the country’s largest pharmacy chains, Walgreens operates more than 8,000 pharmacies across the United States.
Then in April, the Department, DEA, and HHS-OIG announced a $300-million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens). The settlement resolves allegations that the national chain pharmacy dispensed millions of unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Walgreens then sought reimbursement for many of these prescriptions from various federal health care programs – a violation of the False Claims Act. The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens owes the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032.
According to the government’s complaint, from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.
Based in Baltimore, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s prosecutes affirmative civil matters to enforce federal law, and collects debts owed to the United States.”
Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Engages With Community On National Night Out
Sounds of laughter and lively music filled the air — along with the smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and grilled food — as communities across the country gathered to enjoy block parties, festivals, and other events during National Night Out (NNO).
On Tuesday, August 5, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and several law-enforcement partners gathered to support NNO, as they engaged with residents, shared resources, and participated in the fun festivities. Staff from the Baltimore and Greenbelt offices attended events in Baltimore, New Carrollton, and on the Eastern Shore.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. The nationwide event enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
U.S. Attorney's Office Committed
to Combatting Elder Abuse
Did you know 1 in 10 Americans, 60 and over, has experienced some form of elder abuse? Financial scams and abuses targeting older people are happening more and more.
One of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s key priorities is combatting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.
On June 16, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn Cusson joined state and community partners to help kick off PROTECT Week. U.S. Attorney Hayes spoke to attendees about the prevalence of elder fraud and how the U.S. Attorney’s Office is attacking the worldwide problem.
PROTECT Week is an annual initiative anchored around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. During PROTECT Week, partners hosted free webinars, on-site workshops, and shred events to raise awareness about how to spot and combat elder abuse.
From trying cases, to appealing decisions, to providing community outreach, to working with victims and their families – there’s never a dull moment for the staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Ever wonder what an Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorney does? Watch A Day in the Life: Appellate Division, featuring AUSA Brandon Moore, to find out!
Employment Opportunities
 Do you want to work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland?
We’re looking to hire an Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal), Legal Assistant (Office Automation, Civil Division), and Legal Assistant (Office Automation, Criminal Division).
Apply today!
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