A death investigation is under way after a former federal prosecutor was found dead in a home in Alexandria on Saturday morning.
Jessica Aber, 43, served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia for more than three years. Aber was nominated by former president Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She announced her resignation on Jan. 17.
Alexandria Police report officers responded to the 900 block of Beverley Drive for the report of an unresponsive woman at 9:18 a.m. When officers arrived, Aber was found deceased.
“As a matter of protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the cause and manner of death,” read a statement from the Alexandria PD on social media.
Aber prosecuted high-profile cases for the U.S. government including cases involving war crimes, intelligence leaks, national security, corruption, terrorism, child exploitation and other violent crimes. She also prosecuted slumlords, drug dealers, prostitution rings, gang members, rapists, fraud and more.
One of her high-profile cases included war crimes in connection to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Aber: ‘Proud of work’ to enforce the law
Aber was a graduate of the University of Richmond and received her law degree from the William & Mary Law School.
“I’ve had the privilege of spending my career as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia working alongside talented, hard-working public servants who manage matters affecting citizens here and across the world.” Aber said in a news release announcing her resignation.
“Concluding my service to the District as its U.S. Attorney has been an honor beyond measure … I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust.”
Remembering Jess: ‘Irreplaceable as a human being’
Aber will be remembered for her role as a public servant and friend, according to those who knew her.
“My prayers are with Jessica Aber’s loved ones,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA. “Jessica was an exceptional public servant who dedicated her life to serving her fellow Virginians. She will be deeply missed.”
Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik Sibert, said he is “heartbroken” over the loss of a former colleague.
“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber,” Sibert said. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.
“We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace and legal acumen set the standard.
“Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back.
“We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also issued a statement on her passing.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize,” he said. “Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family this week.”
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi also expressed condolences.
“The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic,” she said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”
High-profile cases
- Dual U.S.-Russian citizen pleads guilty to sending weapon components to Russia
- Four Russia-Affiliated Military Personnel Charged with War Crimes in Connection with Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
- Virginia company and two senior executives charged with illegally exporting millions of dollars of U.S. technology to Russia
- Former CIA analyst pleads guilty to transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information
- United States Charges Four Mariners from Arabian Sea Vessel Transporting Suspected Iranian-Made Advanced Conventional Weapons
- Virginia Man Convicted for Crypto Financing Scheme to ISIS
- EDVA Seizes Thirteen Domains Used by Lebanese Hizballah and Its Affiliates
- Two Individuals Charged with Scheme to Export and Smuggle Aviation Device to United Arab Emirates
Related stories
For related stories, search “Jessica Aber” on Augusta Free Press.
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Crystal Graham
