Jessica Aber, who once served as the top federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead inside a home in Alexandria on Saturday morning. Authorities were called to the scene after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman shortly after 9 a.m.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the death, with the state medical examiner tasked with determining how and why Aber died. Officials have not said whether she lived at the residence or disclosed who placed the emergency call.
The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) March 23, 2025
Though law enforcement has not confirmed a cause, a person close to the family told Fox News that Aber had struggled with a long-term medical condition. Police reportedly believe that health issues may have played a role, but the investigation remains open.
Aber stepped down from her role as U.S. Attorney in January on the day President Donald Trump was sworn in. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, Aber had a long career with the Department of Justice dating back to 2009. She also served briefly in a DOJ leadership role in Washington from 2015 to 2016.
Among her more high-profile cases, Aber led the prosecution of a former CIA analyst who leaked classified materials about Israeli military plans. She also brought charges against two business executives accused of illegally exporting telecommunications equipment to Russia in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Another case under her leadership resulted in the indictment of two Russian nationals accused of helping cybercriminal networks launder money on a global scale. The charges were backed by the U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the loss “deeply tragic” and said Aber’s loved ones were in her prayers. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares praised her work on Ceasefire Virginia, a program aimed at preventing gun violence. U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, Aber’s successor, described her as a respected legal leader whose work set a standard for others to follow.
Aber was 43 years old at the time of her death.
