Joshua Levy, the U.S. Attorney known for his high-profile cases including prosecuting military secrets leaker Jack Teixeira, investigating the state probe into Karen Read, and charging Stoughton cop Matthew Farwell, is stepping down from his position. His resignation comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. After Levy’s resignation, which he submitted to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Monday, Mary Murrane, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney with 16 years of experience in the Department of Justice, will step in as the Acting U.S. Attorney. Levy's final day in office will be January 17, marking the end of his impactful tenure.
It’s common practice for U.S. Attorneys to resign when a new president is inaugurated, as the incoming administration appoints new leadership for these key offices. Levy’s departure is no different, and the baton will be passed to Murrane, who has already proven herself as a trusted member of the Department of Justice. As the acting head of the office, Murrane will carry forward the important work that Levy and his team have been dedicated to.
Under Levy’s guidance, the U.S. Attorney’s office prioritized tackling some of the most pressing issues in the region, including human trafficking, fraud, and the opioid crisis. These areas of focus were central to Levy’s leadership as he aimed to serve the people of Massachusetts while enforcing justice across a wide range of legal matters. His approach to these issues has made a lasting impact on the state, with cases involving drug companies, law enforcement, and national security taking center stage.
Levy’s time as U.S. Attorney was marked by several high-profile cases that captured national attention. One of the most notable was his prosecution of Jack Teixeira, a member of the U.S. Air National Guard who was convicted for leaking classified documents. Teixeira's actions threatened national security, and Levy’s office worked relentlessly to ensure that the former airman was held accountable. In addition to the Teixeira case, Levy oversaw the investigation and charges against Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, who was implicated in the death of Sandra Birchmore. These cases exemplify Levy’s commitment to holding individuals in positions of power accountable, regardless of their status.
Another landmark case under Levy's tenure involved McKinsey & Company, which faced criminal and civil charges to the tune of $650 million. The company was found to have played a key role in assisting Purdue Pharma’s marketing strategies, which contributed to the opioid epidemic devastating Massachusetts and beyond. Levy’s office also brought charges against two men allegedly involved in procuring sensitive drone technology for Iran, which led to the deaths of U.S. soldiers. These cases, alongside many others, highlight the significant and often dangerous work that Levy and his team undertook.
Levy’s leadership also saw the prosecution of seven former eBay employees for cyberstalking a Massachusetts couple, further showcasing the office’s commitment to fighting back against cybercrime and holding wrongdoers accountable in the digital age. The cases Levy worked on weren’t just about numbers or headlines, but about improving the lives of Massachusetts residents and ensuring that justice was served in the most complicated and high-stakes cases.
In his statement, Levy reflected on his time as U.S. Attorney, expressing his pride in the accomplishments of his office and the unwavering dedication of the team he led. “Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts has truly been the highlight of my career,” Levy said. “Every day over the past three years, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary skill of federal prosecutors, support staff, and law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights.”
Levy’s commitment to integrity and justice shaped every decision made by his office. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that each case was handled with the utmost care, focusing on the facts and the law, and maintaining fairness throughout. His leadership was about more than securing convictions—it was about ensuring that justice was served in ways that reflected the principles of federal prosecution, without bias or fear.
A major success during Levy’s time in office was the creation of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit, which has already secured convictions and lengthy sentences for 20 individuals involved in trafficking and exploitation since its formation in 2022. This initiative is a shining example of how Levy’s office focused on protecting vulnerable populations and addressing crimes that too often go unnoticed. The unit’s work continues to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking and other civil rights violations.
In addition to human trafficking, the office focused heavily on public corruption, child exploitation, hate crimes, and gun violence. The opioid epidemic remained a key focus, with the U.S. Attorney’s office tackling fentanyl trafficking, one of the deadliest aspects of the crisis. Levy’s leadership brought a holistic approach to law enforcement, considering not just individual crimes, but the broader issues that affect communities on a systemic level.
As Levy steps away from the position of U.S. Attorney, his legacy is sure to resonate for years to come. His work has been instrumental in holding powerful entities accountable and fighting for justice on behalf of victims. Whether it was a major corporate entity like McKinsey or an individual like Jack Teixeira, Levy's office demonstrated that no one is above the law.
Looking ahead, the work of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Massachusetts will continue to be influenced by Levy’s decisions and the cases he championed. The transition of power to Mary Murrane will bring fresh leadership, but the goals remain the same: to protect the community, uphold civil rights, and pursue justice without fear or favor.
In conclusion, Joshua Levy’s resignation marks the end of an era for the District of Massachusetts, but his influence will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of the office’s future efforts. Under his leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s office tackled some of the most important and challenging cases of our time, making significant strides in the fight against corruption, crime, and injustice. As Murrane takes the helm, the legacy of Levy’s work will continue to shape the office’s priorities and the broader fight for justice in the region.
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