U.S. attorney for Mass. Joshua Levy will step down

United States Attorney Joshua Levy announced Monday that he will step down as the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts later this month, a few days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. 

Levy became the acting U.S. attorney for Massachusetts amid an ethics scandal in May 2023 when his predecessor, Rachael Rollins, resigned after multiple watchdog investigations determined she committed ethics violations while serving in the role. He was later nominated to serve in the position permanently by President Joe Biden and was appointed by United States Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2024.

Levy said in a statement that he will step down on January 17. 

“Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts has truly been the highlight of my career,” Levy said in a statement. “Every day over the past three years, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and extraordinary skill of the federal prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law, keep our communities safe and protect civil rights.” 

In a statement, his office noted Levy’s leadership resulted in “several” high impact cases, including charges in the death of Sandra Birchmore, the resolution of charges against McKinsey & Company for their illegal conduct supporting Purdue Pharma’s marketing of opioids, and charges against two men for their alleged involvement Iran obtaining drone technology, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. Mass. National Guardsman Jack Teixeira was also sentenced to 15 years in prison and seven former eBay employees were handed down sentences for cyberstalking a Massachusetts couple under his tenure. 

The office also highlighted the creation of its Human Trafficking and Civil Rights unit.

Levy said that cases taken on in his three years heading federal prosecutions in the state “improved the lives of the people of Massachusetts.”

“As I reflect on my tenure, I am equally proud of the thoughtful, deliberative process engaged in by our team whenever making the grave decision about whether to bring federal charges to ensure it is consistent with the principles of federal prosecution,” he said.