Jerome Gorgon Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney in Detroit

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The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

News Summary

Jerome Gorgon, a federal prosecutor with nearly 15 years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, has been appointed as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. He succeeds Dawn Ison, who resigned earlier this year. Gorgon, a native of Detroit, has a strong background in handling serious prosecutions, including those involving terrorism and drug trafficking. He faces challenges such as staff reductions and concerns over recent cost-cutting measures affecting the office.

Detroit – Jerome Gorgon, a seasoned federal prosecutor with nearly 15 years of experience in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, has been appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. The announcement was made on a Friday night, marking a critical transition for the office that serves about 6.5 million residents across the eastern half of the state.

At 52 years old, Gorgon is a native of Detroit and currently resides in the city. His career highlights include notable prosecutions of individuals involved in serious crimes, such as Jibreel Pratt, who was accused of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, and those connected to transforming the Victory Inn motel into a hub for drug and sex trafficking. Gorgon is also leading the prosecution against Aws Naser, an alleged Islamist supporter from Westland, whose trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Gorgon succeeds Dawn Ison, who resigned in January 2023 after overseeing a period during which crime rates and caseloads in the district significantly declined. The office, however, is facing difficulties, including a reduction of 60 federal prosecutors and support staff compared to previous years. Many federal employees have voiced concerns about recent cost-cutting measures initiated by advisors to former President Donald Trump, which have impacted staffing and resources available to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In his new role, Gorgon has been described by former U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider as trustworthy, ethical, and highly skilled in his field. He has been appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and is pending Senate confirmation. Gorgon’s academic background includes a degree from the University of Michigan, where he also completed law school. Before entering law, he taught elementary science at Detroit Public Schools and later clerked for U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Gorgon practiced law as a partner at the Honigman law firm, where he was involved in numerous significant prosecutions, including racketeering conspiracy cases that resulted in the convictions of members of the Smokecamp street gang and the Young and Skantless gang. His proven track record in complex legal cases has earned him respect amongst his peers and colleagues.

Gorgon was sworn in by Chief U.S. District Judge Sean Cox, who acknowledged both his capabilities as a trial lawyer and his strong character. Approximately a dozen candidates were assessed for the position of U.S. Attorney in Detroit, with several being veteran federal prosecutors, but Gorgon emerged as the favored choice among many for his extensive experience and dedication to the community.

The Eastern District of Michigan continues to face a critical landscape impacted by both local crime and broader federal staffing challenges as Gorgon steps into his interim role. With his deep roots in Detroit and a commitment to serving its residents, stakeholders within the justice system are hopeful for positive progress in the upcoming months under his leadership.