William R. “Will” Keyes has officially assumed the role of U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia following a swearing-in ceremony at the C.B. King United States Courthouse in Albany. The oath was administered by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and I am incredibly grateful that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me,” said Keyes during the ceremony.
The Middle District of Georgia encompasses 70 counties, including major cities such as Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon, and Valdosta, serving a population of approximately 2,045,000 people. The office handles federal crimes like terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms offenses, illegal gangs, and narcotics cases.
Keyes joined the Department of Justice in 2018 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and has since handled various federal criminal cases. His previous roles include Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinator and Deputy Criminal Chief.
Before his tenure with the Department of Justice, Keyes served in active duty with the U.S. Army’s Office of Military Commissions in Washington D.C., where he prosecuted alleged Al-Qaeda members at Guantanamo Bay.
In addition to his civilian duties, Keyes serves as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve and has been recognized with military awards such as the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
A graduate from the University of Georgia with multiple degrees including law and economics, Keyes remains actively involved with his alma mater through its alumni board for business school.
He succeeds C. Shanelle Booker who had been acting as U.S. Attorney since January and will continue her service as First Assistant U.S. Attorney (FAUSA). Recognizing her contributions to the office, Keyes stated: “Mrs. Booker is a gifted leader and has done an incredible job serving our District.”
For further information about the Middle District’s operations under Keyes’ leadership or other inquiries related to its activities within federal jurisdiction visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga.
