C. Shanelle Booker is now making history as the first African-American woman to hold the role of U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. She assumed this top-ranking position on January 12, 2025, after the resignation of former U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. Booker’s appointment marks a significant milestone in both her career and the history of Georgia’s federal law enforcement.
Breaking New Ground in Federal Law Enforcement Leadership
Shanelle Booker’s rise to this prestigious position reflects her years of dedication and hard work. She has served as a federal prosecutor in the Middle District of Georgia since 2015. Before becoming Acting U.S. Attorney, Booker was the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, a role she held since 2022. Under the Vacancies Reform Act, she now steps into the role left vacant by Leary’s resignation.
Booker’s journey to becoming the top-ranking federal law enforcement official is not only a testament to her legal skills but also to her deep commitment to justice. As Acting U.S. Attorney, she will oversee 70 counties in Georgia, including major areas like Macon, Columbus, and Albany.
Educational Background and Career Milestones
Raised in Riverdale, Georgia, Booker has always been determined to succeed. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University before going on to obtain a Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law. After law school, Booker gained valuable experience clerking for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. She then worked as a public defender and a managing attorney in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit Defender’s Office.
Since joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Booker has prosecuted numerous high-profile cases, covering a range of serious issues including violent crime, sex trafficking, child exploitation, public corruption, and fraud. These experiences have shaped her into a highly respected leader in the district.
A Proven Leader With a Focus on Justice and Community Safety
Booker’s leadership has extended beyond her role as a prosecutor. She has held several key positions, such as Elder Justice Coordinator and Criminal Civil Rights and Hate Crimes Coordinator. Her work has always focused on upholding justice and ensuring the safety of citizens across Georgia. She has played an instrumental role in leading major legal divisions, including as Deputy Criminal Division Chief and Acting Administrative Officer.
As she transitions into the role of Acting U.S. Attorney, Booker has expressed her commitment to continuing the work that has been so vital to her office’s success. “It is an honor for me to serve the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia in this leadership role,” Booker said in a statement. “Upholding justice and ensuring the safety of all is our office’s utmost objective.”
Shaping the Future of Georgia’s Legal System
Booker’s leadership is expected to have a lasting impact on the legal landscape of Georgia. As she takes charge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she will work closely with law enforcement agencies and community partners. Her leadership will play a crucial role in advancing justice and ensuring that the legal system works for all citizens.
Booker’s appointment is not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for diversity in law enforcement. As the first African-American woman to hold this position, she is setting an example for future generations of women and minorities in the legal field.
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