TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — John P. “Jack” Heekin has been sworn in as the 42nd U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Mr Heekin took the oath of office Monday morning from Chief U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee. He was appointed interim U.S. Attorney on May 6 by Attorney General Pam Bondi and nominated that same day by President Donald Trump. He succeeds Michelle Spaven, who had been serving as Acting U.S. Attorney since February.
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“I am deeply honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida,” said Mr Heekin.
“Together, we will fulfill the commitment to public safety advanced by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, and we will make the Northern District of Florida the safest place in America to live, work, and raise a family.”
As U.S. Attorney, Mr Heekin is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official for a district that spans 23 counties in Florida’s Panhandle, from Escambia County to Alachua County. Offices are located in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville.
The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, including terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, human trafficking, financial and health care fraud, firearms, and narcotics violations. It also defends the federal government in civil litigation and collects debts owed to the United States.
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Before his appointment, Mr Heekin served as Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel to U.S. Senator Rick Scott, advising on matters related to the judiciary, immigration, law enforcement, and constitutional law. He also worked under Governor Rick Scott as Chief Deputy General Counsel and later Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing major state criminal justice agencies and advising on clemency and death warrants.
Mr Heekin began his legal career prosecuting criminal cases in Palm Beach County for the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and his law degree, cum laude, from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America. His academic work includes two published legal articles in national policy journals.
He is admitted to the Florida Bar, the D.C. Bar, and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar. He is also a member of the Federalist Society and the Republican National Lawyers Association.
Mr Heekin praised Ms Spaven for her leadership and service, noting that she will continue with the office as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
His primary office will be based in Tallahassee.
