Vanessa Roberts Avery, the first Black woman to serve as the United States Attorney for Connecticut, is stepping down on January 17. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, Avery leaves behind an impactful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements and dedicated public service.
Avery’s legacy includes a focus on justice, community safety, and equity, with her leadership resulting in significant accomplishments for the district.
A Historic Appointment and Remarkable Leadership
Vanessa Roberts Avery’s appointment in 2022 by President Biden marked a milestone in Connecticut’s history. As the first Black woman to hold the position, Avery brought a unique perspective and commitment to justice.
During her tenure, Avery emphasized community engagement and civil rights. She launched initiatives like United Against Hate to address hate crimes and foster collaboration between law enforcement and diverse communities. Programs such as HEAT (Heroin, Opioid, and Addiction Taskforce) also showcased her dedication to tackling public health crises and violent crime.
“Serving as U.S. Attorney has been the honor of a lifetime,” Avery shared, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead and serve Connecticut.
Major Accomplishments Under Avery’s Leadership
Avery’s tenure yielded impressive results. In fiscal year 2023, her office secured over $233 million through criminal and civil cases, ranking third nationally among U.S. Attorney offices. Notable recoveries included settlements with Glencore Ltd. for price manipulation and Nomura Securities International for fraudulent trading.
Her leadership extended to the seizure of $47.8 million in assets, contributing to victim restitution and law enforcement efforts. This work reinforced the office’s reputation for efficiency and integrity.
Avery also tackled a range of high-profile cases, addressing issues from financial fraud to national security. Cases like the prosecution of Stanislav Romanyuk for illegal exports to Russia and Okechukwu Valentine Osuji for defrauding businesses and individuals highlighted her office’s broad scope.
Impact on Justice and Safety in Connecticut
Avery prioritized reducing crime rates and improving community safety. Her collaborative strategies led to declining violent crime rates and fewer opioid overdose deaths statewide.
She also prosecuted complex cases involving human trafficking, cybercrime, and child exploitation. Among these, the conviction of Apolinar Francisco Paredes Espinoza shed light on smuggling operations exploiting undocumented individuals.
“Together, we’ve made Connecticut safer while ensuring justice for all,” Avery said. Her contributions resonated with colleagues and the public alike.
A Journey of Excellence and Dedication
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Avery built a distinguished career. She served as Associate Attorney General in Connecticut, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and a litigator at McCarter & English LLP. Her educational foundation includes degrees from Yale University and Georgetown University Law Center.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong praised Avery as an “incredible” leader, expressing optimism about her future. “She’s just getting started,” Tong noted, reflecting the widespread admiration for Avery’s dedication and expertise.
A Smooth Transition Ahead
Marc H. Silverman, the current First Assistant U.S. Attorney, will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney after Avery’s departure. A Yale Law School graduate with extensive experience, Silverman is poised to maintain the office’s high standards.
Avery expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is in excellent hands.” While her departure marks the end of a historic chapter, her legacy of justice and leadership continues to inspire.
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