U.S. Attorney Scott Brady to step down from post

Feb. 26—Scott Brady, U.S. attorney for Pennsylvania's Western District, will resign from his post on Sunday, his office announced Friday.

Brady's announcement comes several weeks after the Biden administration asked for all Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys to resign, a traditional move with a new president.

"Leading this office has been the greatest honor of my professional career," Brady said in a statement. "I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as chief law enforcement officer for my home, Western Pennsylvania."

Brady, who will turn 52 next week, was appointed by former President Donald Trump in September 2017, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate three months later on Dec. 14.

"Together with our law enforcement partners, the men and women of this office have pursued justice with humility and integrity, to advance the rule of law and secure a framework for ordered liberty," he said. "As a result of their tireless efforts, Western Pennsylvania is a safer place for our neighbors and their loved ones."

Per federal law, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Kaufman will be sworn in as acting U.S. attorney on Sunday.

The Biden administration on Feb. 9 asked the remaining Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys to step down. The request similar to that made by Trump of Obama appointees when he took office.

The Washington Post reported that U.S. attorneys were told on a conference call they could stay until Feb. 28 and transition out. The exceptions are two federal prosecutors handling "politically sensitive probes," the Post reported. Delaware U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss will stay on because his office is investigating Hunter Biden, the president's son, over possible tax crimes. In Connecticut, John Durham will step down as U.S. attorney but continue his review of the origins of the FBI's 2016 investigation of possible Trump-Russia connections.

Brady, in announcing his resignation, pointed to his work in combating the opioid epidemic as one of his top accomplishments during his tenure.

"From day one of my administration, I vowed to fight the opioid epidemic with every tool the Department of Justice has, and to do so with new urgency," he said, noting his use of his office's "most experienced white-collar prosecutor" in the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit.

He helped to get Western Pennsylvania named a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, along with $1 million from the federal government to combat drug trafficking.

Brady, from September 2019 through late 2020, served as one of nine U.S. attorneys appointed by former U.S. Attorney General William Barr to an advisory committee that acted as a sounding board for Justice Department policies and priorities.

He pointed to his office's partnerships with local law enforcement — state and local police, as well as local District Attorneys — as another highlight of his time.

"One of the great privileges of being the top law enforcement officer in Western Pennsylvania is the opportunity to work with the men and women of federal, state and local law enforcement," he said. "They serve us selflessly as they keep us and our loved ones safe every day. These heroes deserve to be celebrated."

Brady, a native of Greenville in Mercer County, worked in the Pittsburgh-based U.S. Attorney's Office during the George W. Bush administration. He also worked as a lawyer for Pittsburgh firms and served as head of litigation at Federated Investors before taking the U.S. attorney's position in 2017.

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@triblive.com or via Twitter .