NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced his resignation on Tuesday, effective January 8, 2025, after serving three years as the top federal prosecutor for the District of New Jersey.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime,” Sellinger said in a statement, thanking President Biden for his appointment and reflecting on the accomplishments of the office during his tenure.
Under Sellinger’s leadership, the office prioritized targeting violent crime through initiatives in Newark, Camden, Jersey City, and Paterson, resulting in steady declines in shootings and murders across New Jersey. Notable cases included the prosecution of individuals responsible for severe foster child abuse and significant efforts against street gangs fueling the state’s drug trade.
Sellinger established the first standalone Civil Rights Division in any U.S. Attorney’s Office, addressing hate crimes, discriminatory policies, and systemic abuses. His office secured hate crime convictions, including cases involving attacks on Orthodox Jewish and Muslim communities, and obtained remedies in racial discrimination cases that led to $250 million in loans for minority communities.
Other highlights of his tenure included a landmark $1.8 billion settlement with TD Bank for anti-money laundering violations, fraud prosecutions, and actions against lead pipe contamination in Newark.
