US attorney for West Tenn. announces resignation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee has announced his upcoming resignation.

Edward L. Stanton III

Edward L. Stanton III’s resignation will be effective Feb. 28, according to a release from his office.

The release does not include a reason for his resignation.

Stanton, a native of Memphis, has served in office since 2010 when he was nominated for the position by President Barack Obama.

Stanton is responsible for fully staffing both the Memphis and Jackson divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office by hiring two-thirds of the office’s current assistant U.S. attorneys along with nearly half of the office’s support staff, according to the release.

“Nearly six and a half years ago I was provided the professional honor of a lifetime,” Stanton said in the release. “To be able to serve the district where I was born, raised and educated, and for which I have tremendous love and respect, was a remarkable experience. I am tremendously grateful to President Obama, Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Steve Cohen for placing their trust in me. I am confident the extraordinary professionals of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will remain tirelessly devoted to the unwavering cause of justice on behalf of the citizens of West Tennessee and our great nation. I am proud of the work we have accomplished in and out of the courtroom, including building meaningful bonds of trust with the community we serve. As I step away from this esteemed post, I remain committed to being actively engaged in serving our great community.”

Between 2010 and 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected more than $50 million in civil and criminal actions, according to the release.