Jessica Aber, a career federal prosecutor, was found dead at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, Saturday morning – but the circumstances of her death remain unclear.
Jessica Aber, a renowned career federal prosecutor, was found deceased at her residence in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday morning. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and an investigation is currently underway.
Aber, 43, had established herself as a top U.S. attorney in Virginia, overseeing numerous high-profile cases for the Justice Department. Her impressive portfolio included securing convictions for an MS-13 gang leader, the former governor of Virginia, and other notable individuals. Additionally, she played a crucial role in investigating Russians accused of conspiracy and fraud, as well as Israelis involved in illegal activities.
Aber’s career was marked by her exceptional leadership and dedication to seeking justice. She was appointed to oversee the Virginia district by President Joe Biden and had previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney, counsel to the assistant attorney general for the criminal division, and deputy chief of the criminal division for the district court.
Her colleagues described Aber as an “unmatched” leader, deeply committed to restoring public trust in law enforcement. She was known for her attention to detail, often attending major trials and hearings in the courtroom gallery. Aber’s dedication to her work was evident in her efforts to engage with communities across Virginia, logging over 50,000 miles in her Hyundai to speak with individuals and address concerns.
Aber’s case portfolio was diverse and impressive, reflecting her expertise in handling complex and high-stakes cases. She successfully prosecuted violent crimes, child exploitation cases, financial fraud, cyber crimes, and more. Many of her cases involved foreign entities, including individuals, companies, and organizations.
One notable case involved the conviction of a former MS-13 gang member for his role in the gang’s criminal enterprise, which resulted in the killing of six people. Aber vowed to give the case her “full attention and resources” to address the crimes and ensure that the gang’s “deadly activities” would not go unchecked.
Aber also played a key role in coordinating with the Department of State and Treasury to bring an indictment against a Russian national for his alleged involvement in multiple money laundering schemes. Furthermore, she helped secure a guilty plea in a corporate espionage case involving Siemens Energy Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of the German conglomerate Siemens Energy AG.
The news of Aber’s passing sent shockwaves through the legal community, with many colleagues and officials paying tribute to her exceptional career and dedication to justice. Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement acknowledging Aber’s death, calling it “deeply tragic” and offering condolences to her family and friends.
U.S. Attorney Erik Seibert, who currently heads the Eastern District of Virginia, described Aber as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor” and “simply irreplaceable as a human being.” District Judge M. Hannah Lauck, who Aber clerked for, remembered her as “brilliant” and a “gold soul,” praising her sense of justice, humanity, and ability to make a positive impact.
