News Summary
Zachary A. Keller was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana in a ceremony attended by supporters. He pledges to tackle crime issues and enhance community safety.
Monroe, Louisiana – Zachary A. Keller was officially sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana on Monday morning, in a ceremony attended by a diverse group of supporters, including family, friends, law enforcement partners, and students from West Monroe High School where he completed his education.
During the ceremony, Chief U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty administered the oath of office to Keller, marking the beginning of his tenure in this significant role. Following the oath, Keller expressed his gratitude for what he described as an honor and privilege to serve his home district.
In his new capacity, Keller pledged to address critical issues such as violent crime, gang activity, child predators, immigration and financial fraud, and other criminal behavior. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in these efforts.
Career Background
Keller joined the Department of Justice in 2021 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he gained extensive experience in civil, criminal, and appellate law. His background includes serving as Deputy Chief in the Major Crimes section and focusing on situations involving firearms, violence, immigration, drugs, and child exploitation.
Among his notable projects, Keller coordinated the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, which aimed at combatting gun crime through effective prosecution. Prior to his time with the Department of Justice, he worked as a consumer protection staff attorney for the Federal Trade Commission and held a position as an associate in private legal practice.
Education
Keller’s educational background is marked by significant achievements. He graduated from public schools in West Monroe and completed his undergraduate studies summa cum laude at Louisiana State University, where he attended on a full scholarship. Furthermore, he earned his law degree from the prestigious Yale Law School, reinforcing his credentials in the legal field.
Responsibilities as U.S. Attorney
As the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Keller will oversee federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation within a jurisdiction that encompasses 42 out of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. This area covers approximately half of the state’s population, with U.S. Attorney’s offices located in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Monroe, and Lake Charles.
Under Keller’s leadership, a team of roughly 70 federal prosecutors and staff members will operate to uphold judicial integrity and ensure public safety across the district. His role will involve strategic planning and implementation of law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing crime and enhancing community safety.
Community Engagement
Keller’s commitment to his community is evident from his involvement in local events and his connection to the West Monroe High School students who attended the swearing-in ceremony. His approach reflects a dedication to maintaining close ties with the community while leading efforts to safeguard its residents from various criminal threats.
With a strong legal background and an evident commitment to service, Keller’s tenure as U.S. Attorney is anticipated to lead to significant strides in addressing crime and improving safety in the Western District of Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KATC: West Monroe Native Appointed U.S. Attorney
- WHEC: Gov. Hochul Appoints Irondequoit Judge as New Monroe County District Attorney
- Democrat and Chronicle: Brian Green Named Monroe County District Attorney
- Rochester Beacon: Green Named Monroe County District Attorney
- NY Daily Record: Brian Green Appointed Monroe County D.A.
- Wikipedia: United States Attorney
- Encyclopedia Britannica: District Attorney
- Google Search: U.S. Attorney Western District Louisiana
- Google News: Monroe County District Attorney
- Google Scholar: U.S. Attorney
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
