Christopher Todd Gilbert has officially assumed his role as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia after being sworn in yesterday.
The appointment was announced by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, with Judge Thomas T. Cullen administering the oath of office.
In his first comments as U.S. Attorney, Gilbert expressed his deep honor in taking on this significant role.
He remarked, “In my heart, I have always been a prosecutor, and to return to that role now is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Gilbert emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safety of the Western District, reflecting on how his family has strong ties to the area.
He looks forward to collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to make the district safer for its residents.
As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Western District of Virginia, Gilbert is tasked with representing the United States in all civil and criminal litigation.
Leading a team of nearly 30 federal prosecutors and support staff, he is poised to tackle a range of legal issues.
The Western District comprises about sixty percent of Virginia’s land area and serves approximately 2.2 million citizens.
This expansive region stretches from the northern corner, which is under fifty miles from Washington D.C., to Lee County at the district’s western tip, which is further west than Detroit.
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Gilbert spent nearly fifteen years as a state prosecutor in four Commonwealth’s Attorneys offices within the district, including those in Lynchburg, Shenandoah, Warren, and Frederick.
His extensive background includes experience in prosecuting serious crimes such as homicides, robberies, drug conspiracy cases, sex crimes, gun offenses, and fraud.
Additionally, he has shared his expertise by teaching trial advocacy to young prosecutors entering the field.
In addition to his legal career, Gilbert has served nearly twenty years in the Virginia legislature as a member of the House of Delegates.
He held the position of the 57th Speaker of the House from 2022-2024, where he focused on matters of public safety.
His legislative role included membership on several crucial boards and commissions, enhancing his influence within Virginia’s legal landscape.
His work earned him accolades such as Legislator of the Year from groups like the Virginia Sheriff’s Association and the Virginia State Police Association.
Gilbert’s connections to the Western District run deep, having been raised in the Shenandoah Valley.
He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Southern Methodist University School of Law, where he distinguished himself as the president of the Student Bar Association and won a prestigious mock trial competition.
Residing on a small farm in Shenandoah Valley with his wife Jennifer and their two young boys, Gilbert’s family shares a commitment to the community.
Jennifer Wishon Gilbert, a Bedford County native and Virginia Tech graduate, contributed to the area as a broadcast journalist for WDBJ in Roanoke.
As U.S. Attorney, Christopher Todd Gilbert is dedicated to fostering justice and public safety in the Western District of Virginia.
image source from：pcpatriot
