ECNETNews, February 13, 2025: The Southern District of New York has seen a significant change in leadership as acting U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon has resigned, following the departure of Damian Williams just a month prior.
Sassoon’s resignation follows a controversial directive from the U.S. Department of Justice, which instructed federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. In a memo issued by Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, the dismissal was characterized as necessary “without prejudice” to prevent disruptions to Adams’ efforts in tackling critical issues such as illegal immigration and violent crime.
This decision has ignited unrest within the Justice Department, resulting in the resignation of two officials from the public integrity unit in Washington in protest. Bove’s memo indicated that the previous handling of the charges “threatened the integrity of the proceedings.”
In a recent public address at City Hall, Mayor Adams positioned the DOJ’s decision as a confirmation of his innocence.
“I never asked anyone to break the law on my behalf or on behalf of my campaign, never. I never traded my power as an elected official for any personal benefit,” said Adams. “I thank the Justice Department for its honesty. Now, we can put this cruel episode behind us and focus entirely on the future of our city. It’s time to move forward.”
Damian Williams, who made history as the first Black U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned in January before the inauguration of Donald Trump. Following his departure, he rejoined a prominent law firm, continuing to build on his extensive legal career.
Williams, who previously held a position at the firm, will utilize his experience to represent clients in significant government investigations, white-collar cases, and internal corporate inquiries. His return is welcomed by the firm’s chairman, who praised Williams for his past leadership in major prosecutions and investigations.
During his time as U.S. Attorney, Williams was known for implementing notable reforms, including the establishment of a civil rights unit to tackle rising hate crimes and advocacy for federal oversight of Rikers Island. His contributions have gained him recognition, including an entry on TIME Magazine’s Time100 Next 2024 list and a lifetime achievement award from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
With a formidable educational background, including degrees from Harvard, the University of Cambridge, and Yale Law School, Williams has established himself as a leading figure in the legal community. His legacy as one of the most impactful prosecutors in recent history is secure as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.
