Tara M. Lyons becomes Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Georgia

Tara M. Lyons has officially been appointed as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia as of January 18, 2025, making her the first Black woman to hold this position. She previously served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney and has a notable 20-year career with the Department of Justice, focusing on cases related to violent crimes, human trafficking, and civil rights violations. Her extensive background includes roles as a public defender and project coordinator for initiatives aimed at preventing gun violence and child exploitation. Lyons will oversee a team of over 70 attorneys and staff, responsible for prosecuting federal crimes across 43 counties in Georgia, including Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick. She succeeds Jill Steinberg, who previously held the role. This appointment underscores a significant milestone in the representation of women of color in federal law enforcement positions.