Will Keyes sworn in as U.S. Attorney for Middle District of Georgia

Georgia’s MACON (WMGT/41NBC) According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, William R. Will Keyes took the oath of office as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia at noon on Tuesday.

The oath of office was delivered in a ceremony at the C.B. King United States Courthouse in Albany by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner.

On June 20, Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Keyes.

Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia is an enormous pleasure, and Keyes expressed his gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for putting their faith in him. On behalf of all Middle Georgians, I am excited to collaborate closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues in this District, which I hold in the highest regard. Together, we shall defend the rule of law and safeguard our neighborhoods.

Keyes is currently the leading federal law enforcement official for the Middle District of Georgia in his capacity as U.S. Attorney. With a population of over two million, the office serves 70 counties and includes cities like Macon, Albany, Athens, Columbus, and Valdosta.

The office prosecutes federal offenses such as terrorism, gang activity, drug offenses, fraud, child exploitation, public corruption, and guns. It also collects federal debts and deals with civil issues involving the United States.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia, Keyes started his career with the Department of Justice in 2018. He has worked on cases including violent crime, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and acts related to terrorism. In addition, he has held a number of leadership roles, such as District Election Officer, National Security Cyber Specialist, Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council member, and Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinator. He was Deputy Criminal Chief most recently.

Keyes was in active duty in the U.S. Army prior to joining the DOJ. He provided legal counsel during a deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and tried suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in Guantanamo Bay. He started his professional career in a private Atlanta law company.

Keyes remains a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve in addition to his federal duties. He has instructed partner forces in Central America and East Africa in humanitarian law. Among his honors are the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Keyes has four degrees from the University of Georgia: a master’s degree in economics, a law degree, and undergraduate degrees in statistics and economics. He resides in Macon with his spouse, Margaret Sullivan Keyes, and their two sons.

C. Shanelle Booker, who has been Acting U.S. Attorney since January, is replaced by Keyes. She will remain the U.S. Attorney’s First Assistant.

According to Keyes, Mrs. Booker has served our District admirably and is a talented leader.