COLUMBUS, OH – Kenneth L. Parker, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, has been removed from his position by the Trump administration.
Parker, who had served as U.S. Attorney since 2021 after being nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by Congress, oversaw the litigation of civil and criminal cases across the 48-county southern district, which includes Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton.
Following Parker’s removal, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Norris will step in as acting U.S. Attorney.
In a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Parker expressed gratitude for his time in office, calling it his highest honor to serve in the role.
“There is no better feeling than to come to the office every day knowing I, along with all the prosecutors, trial attorneys, and staff, work to protect the rights, safety, and interests of the public with excellence and integrity,” Parker said.
A Long Career in Federal Law Enforcement
Parker first joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1999 as an Assistant United States Attorney. Over the years, he held key leadership roles, including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Deputy Criminal Chief and Criminal Chief for the district.
He was appointed U.S. Attorney in 2021, replacing acting U.S. Attorney Vipal Patel, who had briefly led the office after the resignation of David DeVillers.
The reason for Parker’s dismissal has not yet been disclosed, and it remains unclear if the Trump administration will immediately nominate a permanent replacement.
