Will Keyes sworn in as U.S. Attorney for Middle District of Georgia
Keyes takes over as the top federal prosecutor in Middle Georgia, serving a district of more than 2 million people.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — William R. “Will” Keyes was sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia at noon Tuesday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner administered the oath of office during a ceremony at the C.B. King United States Courthouse in Albany.
Keyes was appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on June 20.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and I am incredibly grateful that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me,” Keyes said. “I care deeply for this District and look forward to working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners on behalf of all Middle Georgians. Together, we will protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.”
As U.S. Attorney, Keyes now serves as the top federal law enforcement official for the Middle District of Georgia. The office covers 70 counties and includes cities such as Macon, Albany, Athens, Columbus and Valdosta, with a population of more than 2 million people.
The office prosecutes federal crimes including terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms offenses, gang activity and narcotics. It also handles civil cases involving the United States and collects federal debts.
Keyes began his career with the Department of Justice in 2018 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia. His work has included cases involving drug trafficking, violent crime, child exploitation and terrorism-related offenses. He has also served in several leadership positions, including Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinator, Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council member, National Security Cyber Specialist and District Election Officer. Most recently, he was Deputy Criminal Chief.
Before his time with the DOJ, Keyes served on active duty in the U.S. Army. He prosecuted alleged Al-Qaeda members in Guantanamo Bay and served as a legal advisor during a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His legal career began at a private law firm in Atlanta.
In addition to his federal role, Keyes continues to serve as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve. He has taught humanitarian law to partner forces in East Africa and Central America. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Keyes holds four degrees from the University of Georgia, including a law degree, a master’s in economics and undergraduate degrees in economics and statistics. He and his wife, Margaret Sullivan Keyes, live in Macon with their two sons.
Keyes takes over for C. Shanelle Booker, who has served as Acting U.S. Attorney since January. She will continue serving as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“Mrs. Booker is a gifted leader and has done an incredible job serving our District,” Keyes said.
