U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – William S. Thompson took the oath of office today to become the United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced Thompson’s nomination on August 10, 2021, and the United States Senate confirmed him on October 5, 2021. Thompson was sworn in by Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in a private ceremony.
“It is an honor to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson. “I look forward to leading the dedicated public servants in the office as we work in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement to make communities throughout southern West Virginia safer places to live.”
As United States Attorney, Thompson is the top-ranking law enforcement official in the Southern District of West Virginia. Thompson will oversee a staff of 34 attorneys and 41 non-attorney personnel located in offices in Charleston, Huntington, and Beckley. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Prior to taking office as United States Attorney, Thompson was a Circuit Court Judge in West Virginia’s 25th Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to that position in 2007 and re-elected in 2008 and 2016. Thompson presided over several treatment courts, including the first family treatment court in West Virginia. Prior to becoming a Circuit Court Judge, Thompson practiced law at the law firm of Cook and Cook in Boone County. There, he focused on litigation, which included representing several hundred indigent clients in criminal defense and other matters. Thompson also previously served as President of Madison Healthcare, Inc. and as Vice President of Danville Lumber Company.
Thompson was born in Charleston and raised in Boone County, West Virginia. He earned a degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University and a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law.
Thompson and his wife, Keri, are the proud parents of four children.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.