BUFFALO, N.Y. — Western New York officially has a new U.S. Attorney tonight.
Trini Ross was sworn into the position Friday afternoon after she was nominated and confirmed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year.
The Fredonia and University at Buffalo law school graduate is now the top federal prosecutor for the Buffalo and Rochester areas, and the first Black woman to hold the position.
Ross took part in an investiture ceremony at Hutch Tech in downtown Buffalo Friday evening. This type of ceremony formally confers a rank on a particular person.
As U.S. Attorney, Ross is responsible for federal cases that are brought from the 17 counties included in the Western District.
Most recently, Ross served as the Director of Investigations, Legal Division, with the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General since 2018.
Ross was nominated by President Joseph Biden in July and her commission was signed on Oct. 5 after unanimously being confirmed on Sept. 30. Ross was actually sworn in on Oct. 13 by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who administered the oath of office.
“It is an honor to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of New York,” U.S. Attorney Ross said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated staff in our office, as well as our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, as we all work together to uphold the mission of the Department of Justice. I also look forward to working with our community partners as we strive to make the neighborhoods throughout our district safe and secure for all residents.”