Erek L. Barron, the first African American to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, resigned from his position effective February 12, 2025. Appointed on October 7, 2021, Barron’s tenure was marked by efforts to reduce violent crime, high-profile prosecutions, and initiatives to strengthen civil rights enforcement.
However, his resignation follows reports of challenges within the office, including declining case filings and internal morale issues.
Early Life and Legal Career
Born in Washington, D.C., Barron attended the University of Maryland, College Park for his undergraduate studies before earning a law degree from George Washington University Law School. He later obtained a Master of Laws in International and National Security Law from Georgetown University. His legal career included roles as an assistant state’s attorney in Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and a policy advisor to then-Senator Joe Biden on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Barron was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014, where he co-authored bipartisan legislation focused on public safety reform and reducing recidivism. His experience in both prosecution and legislative policy set the stage for his appointment as U.S. Attorney for Maryland under the Biden administration.
Tenure as U.S. Attorney
Upon taking office, Barron prioritized tackling violent crime through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods, fostering collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement. His office played a key role in reducing homicides in Maryland by 41% from 2021 to 2024.
During his tenure, Barron oversaw the prosecution of several high-profile cases, including the indictment and conviction of former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby on perjury and mortgage fraud charges. His office also secured the conviction of attorney Stephen Snyder for attempting to extort the University of Maryland Medical System.
In 2022, Barron established the Civil Rights and Special Victims Section within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, focusing on enforcing federal civil rights laws and prosecuting crimes against vulnerable populations, including human trafficking and child exploitation.
Challenges and Resignation
Despite notable successes, Barron’s tenure was not without difficulties. Reports indicated internal issues such as a decline in new criminal case filings, reaching a 50-year low in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Additionally, there were concerns over employee morale and communication failures within the office.
Upon announcing his resignation, Barron expressed gratitude for his time in office, stating:
“Serving as United States Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime. The office’s career attorneys and administrative staff are public servants of exceptional caliber.”
Leadership Transition
Phil Selden, who previously served as Barron’s first assistant, has been named the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland until a permanent replacement is appointed.
