News Summary
Margaret ‘Meg’ Heap has officially taken office as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Her swearing-in ceremony took place at the federal courthouse in Augusta, following her appointment by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Heap is committed to working with law enforcement to improve community safety and will oversee federal prosecutions across 43 counties, serving a population of over 1.6 million residents.
Augusta, Georgia – Margaret “Meg” Heap has officially taken office as the interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Her swearing-in ceremony occurred at 11 a.m. on Monday at the federal courthouse in Augusta, marking a significant step in her legal career. Heap’s appointment was made by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and the appointment became effective immediately upon her swearing in.
Heap, who expressed her deep honor in serving in this critical role, highlighted her commitment to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance community safety within the district. As the U.S. Attorney, she is responsible for overseeing federal prosecutions, as well as defending the interests of the United States in civil cases filed in federal court.
Before stepping into this notable position, Heap served on Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles, having been appointed by Governor Brian Kemp on January 19, 2021. Her legal expertise spans decades, beginning in 1986 when she worked as a volunteer coordinator and victim advocate with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program. Heap later earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Law School in 1992.
Following her graduation, Heap began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit. She then advanced to the Eastern Judicial Circuit, where she served as an assistant district attorney for 15 years, ultimately being elected as the district attorney for two consecutive terms. Notably, during her time as District Attorney, she was recognized as the “2019 District Attorney of the Year” by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia, showcasing her dedication and effectiveness in her role.
The Southern District of Georgia, which Heap now oversees, encompasses 43 of Georgia’s 159 counties and has a population exceeding 1.6 million residents. Major urban centers within this district include Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick. In her role, Heap leads a team of approximately 70 attorneys and staff members, reflecting the responsibilities of managing a significant number of federal law enforcement initiatives across a diverse and populous area.
Heap takes over during a customary transition period, as new presidential administrations typically appoint new U.S. attorneys to align with their administration’s priorities. This transition is crucial for ensuring that local and federal prosecutions effectively address the specific needs and challenges faced by communities within the judicial district.
As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia, Heap’s responsibilities emphasize the prosecution of federal crimes and the defense of the United States in civil cases. Her extensive experience in various legal capacities positions her well to handle the complexities of the attorney role while fostering strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Heap’s appointment is expected to influence not only federal law enforcement practices but also the overall safety and wellbeing of residents in the Southern District of Georgia.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: New Interim U.S. Attorney Takes Oath Office in Augusta
- Augusta Chronicle: New U.S. Attorney in Georgia Sworn In
- Savannah Now: Meg Heap Sworn In As U.S. Attorney
- Wikipedia: U.S. Attorney
- Black Enterprise: Tara Lyons Acting U.S. Attorney Georgia
- Google News: U.S. Attorney Southern District Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
