Margaret “Meg” Heap Sworn in as U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Georgia

News Summary

Margaret “Meg” Heap has been sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. In her new role, she aims to enhance safety in the community and lead a team responsible for prosecuting federal crimes across 43 counties. Heap brings a wealth of legal experience, having served in various roles including the District Attorney for the Eastern Judicial Circuit. Her leadership is anticipated to address crime rates and safety concerns in the region.

Augusta – Margaret “Meg” Heap has officially been sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia in an oath ceremony held at the U.S. District Courthouse. The event took place recently, with U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall administering the oath of office to Heap, who was appointed as the interim U.S. Attorney by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, effective August 18, 2025.

In her new role, Heap expressed her commitment to enhancing safety in the region, emphasizing her dedication to the community she now represents. As U.S. Attorney, she will be responsible for overseeing the federal law enforcement operations across the Southern District of Georgia, which includes 43 of the state’s 159 counties and serves a population exceeding 1.6 million residents. Major cities in this district include Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick.

Heap brings extensive experience in the legal field to her position. Before her appointment, she served as the Chairman and Vice Chair of Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles, a role she held after being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp on January 19, 2021. Her career in law began in 1986 when she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Advocate for Chatham County’s District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program.

In 1992, Heap graduated from Mercer University Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. Following her graduation, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in both the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit and the Eastern Judicial Circuit. Heap eventually became the District Attorney for the Eastern Judicial Circuit, serving two terms in that position. Her dedication to the role earned her the title of “2019 District Attorney of the Year” from the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia.

Despite her achievements in the judicial arena, Heap faced a setback in January 2025 when she lost her re-election bid to Shalena Cook Jones, the current District Attorney for Chatham County. However, her wealth of experience and her commitment to public service led to her recent appointment as U.S. Attorney.

As U.S. Attorney, Heap now leads a team of approximately 70 attorneys and support staff in prosecuting federal crimes as well as defending the interests of the United States in civil cases pursued in U.S. District Court. Her leadership is expected to bring a focused and strategic approach to federal law enforcement within the Southern District of Georgia.

Heap’s oath-taking ceremony marks a significant milestone not only in her career but also for the communities she will serve. With crime rates and safety concerns being constant issues for many residents, her leadership will be closely scrutinized as she seeks to foster a safer and more just environment throughout the district.

Overall, Margaret “Meg” Heap’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia is seen as an important step in continuing efforts to uphold law and order across the region. As she embarks on this new chapter, many will be looking to her leadership to make impactful changes in federal law enforcement, ensuring that the rights and safety of citizens are prioritized.

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