University of Maryland alum Kelly O. Hayes was appointed and sworn in Monday as Maryland’s interim United States attorney, according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
Before her appointment, Hayes was chief of the Southern Division for Maryland’s U.S. attorney’s office for four years. She has worked in Maryland’s U.S. attorney’s office since 2013, the release said.
“I have spent over a decade witnessing the incredible and impactful work my colleagues do every day,” Hayes said in the release. “I am beyond honored to lead this Office as we continue to serve and protect the people of Maryland and the United States.”
The Montgomery County native graduated from this university in 2006 with undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminology and criminal justice. She later earned her law degree at the University of North Carolina, the release said.
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While working as Southern Division chief, Hayes oversaw all criminal investigations in the division, including cases related to violent crimes and illegal immigration.
Hayes is the third woman to lead Maryland’s U.S. attorney’s office and is the first woman to hold the top role since 2001.
Hayes’ appointment as Maryland U.S. attorney comes after Erek Barron resigned from the role on Feb. 12, according to a U.S. attorney’s office news release. The news release did not provide a reason for Barron’s resignation.
The Washington Post reported last month that Barron’s resignation came as President Donald Trump’s administration worked to remove top federal prosecutors who were appointed by President Joe Biden.
Barron became the state’s first Black U.S. attorney after Biden appointed him to the position in 2021.
Hayes will remain the acting U.S attorney for Maryland until Trump decides whether to permanently appoint her, the Baltimore Banner reported Monday.
