Minnesota U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald to depart from Justice Department

Thursday, Minnesota U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald announced she will be departing from the Justice Department.

MacDonald will officially step down on Sunday.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk is expected to move into the position of Acting U.S. Attorney.

“My highest priority as U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota has always been safety and security of the individuals, families, and communities of this great state and nation,” MacDonald said in a statement Thursday. “Serving as the United States Attorney has been my great honor and privilege. I have always been and continue to be humbled and inspired by the women and men of this office whose dedication to the pursuit of truth and justice is unwavering.”

MacDonald has served in the role since 2018.

“Under Ms. MacDonald’s leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritized the prosecution of violent crime and narcotics, public safety in Indian Country, prosecutions of child exploitation and human trafficking cases, cybercrime investigations and prosecutions, and national security cases. Ms. MacDonald also led impactful outreach connected to cases involving child victims and human trafficking victims a priority of her work as U.S. Attorney,” a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.