CHARLESTON – Mike Stuart, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, has announced his resignation after being asked to do so by the new administration.
Stuart, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, will step down February 28.
“It has been my distinct honor to serve as a United State Attorney particular because it was in service to the people of West Virginia,” Stuart wrote in his February 12 letter to President Joe Biden. “I’ve had a love affair with the people of West Virginia from my very first breath. It is a love affair that will continue until my very last breath and until I rest within the brilliance of God’s creation of these ‘Country Roads.’”
Bill Powell, Stuart’s counterpart in the Northern District, announced his resignation earlier in the week. He also was appointed by Trump. Resignation requests are common with new presidential administrations.
In his letter to Biden, Stuart touted the “remarkable and historic” success of his time in office, especially his “laser-focus” on the opioid epidemic and its impact on the Mountain State.
“I assure you, I am incredibly proud of the remarkable efforts of my team and my law enforcement partners,” Stuart said. “The successes are a result of the team that is as capable as any team in the nation.”
Stuart also thanked Trump for nominating him.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity,” Stuart wrote. “I have served as ‘best I could’ without concern for politics or personal interest. I have served each day with a sense of urgency with one simple goal in mind – to be an impartial and fair prosecutor in the administration of justice.”
And, he thanked his team of “remarkable individuals,” law enforcement officers and his family.
Stuart also wished Biden well.
“President Biden, I wish you the greatest success in your leadership of this great nation,” Stuart wrote. “We are truly the greatest nation in the history of man. If I may ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call on me.”
