Former US Attorney Found Dead: What To Know

Former US Attorney Jessica Aber, a high-profile federal prosecutor who handled national security cases including CIA leaks and Russian fraud operations, has been found dead in her Virginia home at age 43, with authorities still investigating the circumstances surrounding her sudden passing.

Key Takeaways

Jessica Aber, former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, was found dead in her Alexandria home at age 43.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating her death, with a family friend suggesting it may have resulted from a longstanding medical issue.
Aber led high-profile national security cases involving CIA intelligence leaks, Russian fraud operations, and war crimes investigations.
She resigned from her position as US Attorney on the day President Donald Trump took office after managing an office of approximately 300 personnel.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, and other officials have expressed condolences, praising her public service.

Discovery and Initial Investigation

Police discovered Jessica Aber’s body after responding to a report of an unresponsive woman at a residence on the 900 block of Beverley Drive in Alexandria, Virginia at approximately 9:18 a.m. According to reports, a 911 caller refused to perform CPR on Aber, though the identity of this caller has not been publicly established. The Alexandria Police Department immediately launched an investigation into both the cause and circumstances of her death, with few official details released.

While authorities have not announced an official cause of death, a family friend told reporters that police believe the death resulted from a longstanding medical issue. No autopsy results have been released as of this reporting.

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

— KLFY NEWS 10 (@KLFY) March 24, 2025

Career and Public Service

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 positions. She managed an office of approximately 300 personnel that handled major national security cases. Her career in the Eastern District began in 2009, with a promotion to deputy chief of the criminal division in 2016. She also served as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division from 2015 to 2016.

“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 on social media.

Aber resigned from her position on the day President Trump took office in January 2025, following the tradition of presidentially-appointed US Attorneys stepping down with changes in administration. Throughout her tenure, she maintained a reputation as a dedicated prosecutor focused on complex cases with national security implications.

High-Profile Cases and National Security Work

During her time as US Attorney, Aber led several significant prosecutions related to national security. She oversaw the case against Asif Rahman, a former CIA analyst who pleaded guilty to leaking top secret information. At the time, Aber stated that Rahman had “disclosed top secret American documents in violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law.” She also played a key role in indicting Russian nationals Sergey Ivanov and Timur Shakhmametov for money laundering and fraud operations.

“The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

Among her other significant cases, Aber was involved in indicting four Russian soldiers for war crimes against an American in Ukraine and investigating a Virginia company accused of illegally transferring sensitive technology to Russia.