Former U.S. Attorney Found Dead At 43 Investigating CIA, Russian Fraud
A federal investigation is underway following the death of Jessica Aber, 43, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was found unresponsive at her home in Alexandria over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that Aber was discovered by local police shortly before 9:20 a.m. on Saturday.
Preliminary reports indicate that the cause and manner of her death remain under review by the medical examiner. While no evidence of foul play has been found, a family friend told NBC News that police believe Aber may have died from a longstanding medical condition.
Aber, a career prosecutor with more than a decade of experience in the Justice Department, was widely recognized for her leadership in several high-profile national security and criminal cases. During her tenure, she oversaw some of the country’s most sensitive investigations, including prosecutions involving leaks from the CIA, Russian cybercrime networks, and violations of international sanctions.
Before stepping down in January following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Aber led one of her office’s most notable cases: the prosecution of former CIA analyst Asif Rahman, 34. Rahman pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents that revealed Israel’s plans for a potential strike on Iran, forcing a delay in the operation. Aber called his actions a “violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law,” adding that the leak “placed lives at risk, undermined U.S. foreign relations, and compromised our ability to collect vital intelligence in the future.”
Her decisive handling of national security cases earned her respect within the Justice Department, where she was known for her disciplined leadership and commitment to the rule of law. As the investigation into her sudden death continues, many colleagues have expressed shock at the loss of one of the DOJ’s most experienced and dedicated prosecutors.