The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, Grant Jaquith, has officially announced his resignation upon his appointment as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
The former Army colonel spent 31 years with the Justice Department. He took office in January 2018, leading DOJ’s efforts in 32 counties in Northern and Central New York, covering an area of more than 30,000 square miles. He previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the region.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve my country for 31 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, striving to secure equal justice for all in criminal and civil cases," Jaquith said in a statement. "My years as a line prosecutor, supervisor, and U.S. Attorney have been full of meaning thanks to the agents, support staff, attorneys, supervisors, and judges I have had the good fortune to work with and learn from.”
“Grant Jaquith is the epitome of a selfless public servant who has dedicated his career to the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General William Barr in a statement. “He is a diligent and capable leader who has worked tirelessly to promote the rule of law. Law enforcement at all levels knew that they could count on him as a true partner, as did the communities in his district. His work has made the Northern District of New York a better and safer place.”
Attorney General Barr announced later Thursday that Antoinette Bacon will replace Jaquith as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District. Bacon, who specializes in fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
“I’m honored and humbled to be appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York. I look forward to working tirelessly with my fellow federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to continue the effort to make the community safe for all,” Bacon said in a statement. “I thank Grant Jaquith, a fellow career prosecutor, for his three decades in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and wish him well in his new role on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. His selfless service is truly inspiring.”
She led the Cuyahoga County Corruption Case -- a nine-year investigation leading to the prosecution of over 60 people including a County Commissioner, a County Auditor, a Cleveland City Council member, and two sitting judges.
“I am pleased to appoint Toni Bacon as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York,” Barr said. “Her contributions to the initiatives she oversaw while working for the Office of the Deputy Attorney General are a testament to her relentless commitment to protect and serve all Americans. I know the Northern District will find Toni to be an exceptional prosecutor and dedicated leader.”
