US Politics: What you should know about Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who is prosecuting New York Mayor Eric Adams

NEW YORK (WABC) — After a 57-page, five-count federal indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams was released on Thursday, we are now learning more about the man leading the prosecution: Damian Williams.

Damian Williams is currently the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. President Biden nominated Williams in August 2021 and the U.S. Senate later confirmed him in October of the same year.

As the Southern District’s chief federal law enforcement officer, Williams oversees the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of civil cases involving U.S. interests. Williams leads a staff of more than 400 attorneys, special agents, paralegals and other professionals.

He also chairs the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, which advises the Attorney General on policy, procedure and administration.

Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Williams served as head of the Southern District’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Williams focused on investigating white-collar crimes, including corruption in financial markets and politics.

During his legal career, Williams served as a law clerk for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who was then a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals. He also served as a law clerk for former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

Williams is a graduate of Harvard University, the University of Cambridge and Yale Law School.

ALSO READ: What is Mayor Eric Adams accused of? Read the indictment

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