US Attorney Andrew Lelling to step down from post at end of February

BOSTON — Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling announced Wednesday he will step down from his post at the end of the month.

Lelling, who said in a statement that he tendered his resignation to the Biden administration earlier this week, was appointed by former President Donald Trump three years ago.

“My goal as U.S. Attorney has been to do this job without fear or outside influence, and to make clear that everyone – regardless of wealth, status, or position of authority – will be treated the same under the law. Massachusetts deserves nothing less,” Lelling said in the statement.

The Associated Press reported earlier this week that the Justice Department was asking U.S. attorneys who were appointed by former President Donald Trump to resign from their posts, as the Biden administration moves to transition to its own nominees.

The U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president and are generally nominated with a recommendation from a home-state senator. The 93 U.S. attorneys are responsible for overseeing offices of federal prosecutors and charged with prosecuting federal crimes in their jurisdictions.

Lelling said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell will assume the role of acting U.S. Attorney.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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