Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at the age of 43 on Saturday, Virginia authorities confirmed. Aber had led several high-profile cases involving national security, cybercrime, intelligence leaks, and war crimes before stepping down earlier this year.
The Alexandria Police Department responded to reports of an unresponsive woman around 9 a.m. local time at a residence on Beverley Drive, located north of downtown and south of Arlington. Authorities have not released a preliminary cause of death, and an investigation is currently underway.
Key Highlights:
Who Was Jessica Aber?
Aber served as U.S. Attorney from 2021 to January 2025, after being appointed by former President Joe Biden. She oversaw one of the most critical prosecutorial jurisdictions in the country, managing around 300 prosecutors and support staff in cases ranging from terrorism and espionage to international cybercrime.
Aber stepped down shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, following standard protocol for politically appointed U.S. Attorneys.
Key National Security Cases Led by Aber
Aber was known for her active role in national security investigations. In mid-January, she announced the conviction of Asif Rahman, a former CIA analyst who pleaded guilty to leaking classified national defense information, which later surfaced on social media in October 2024.
At the time, Aber had said:
“Rahman disclosed top secret American documents in violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law. His actions placed lives at risk, undermined U.S. foreign relations, and compromised our ability to collect vital intelligence.”
In September 2024, Aber was involved in unsealing an indictment against Russian national Sergey Ivanov, who was charged with operating illicit money laundering services connected to cybercriminals. A second individual, Timur Shakhmametov, faced charges related to bank fraud, access device fraud, and money laundering.
“Every step cybercriminals take in their pursuit of money leaves another track that leads us to their doorstep… Justice is unyielding,” Aber said at the time.
In November 2024, Aber prosecuted a Virginia-based company and its senior executives for allegedly running illegal schemes to export sensitive U.S. technology to Russia, including equipment sent to a telecom company tied to the Kremlin and Russia’s FSB security agency.
She stated:
“Guarding against these transfers is imperative, and violations of the laws that protect our national security will be met with ardent prosecution.”
Justice for War Crimes in Ukraine
Aber also played a leading role in the Justice Department’s war crimes unit, particularly in cases involving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In late 2023, she helped bring charges against four Russia-linked individuals accused of torture, inhuman treatment, and unlawful confinement of a U.S. national in Ukraine.
She reaffirmed her commitment to accountability:
“We are proud to be at the forefront of the Justice Department’s effort to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable in Ukraine.”
Tributes from Colleagues and Officials
The news of Jessica Aber’s death has drawn an outpouring of grief from legal and government communities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed sorrow:
“The loss of Jessica Aber is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”
Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, said:
“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor. She is simply irreplaceable.”
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, no cause of death has been released. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jessica Aber’s death, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
While her passing raises questions, officials have not indicated any connection between her death and the high-profile cases she led. However, the investigation remains open and active.
Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, left behind a legacy of leadership in complex and high-risk legal matters involving U.S. national security. Her sudden death at 43 is a significant loss to the legal and intelligence communities.
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