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Damian Williams, the influential federal prosecutor who has managed high-profile cases such as those involving Senator Robert Menendez, Ghislaine Maxwell, and cryptocurrency tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried, will resign from his post as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York next month. Williams, the first Black man to hold this prominent position, confirmed his resignation effective at 11:59 p.m. on December 13, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

During his tenure, Williams oversaw the successful convictions of Menendez on bribery charges, Bankman-Fried on fraud charges, and Maxwell on sex trafficking charges. Among the notable cases still pending under his supervision are those of New York City Mayor Eric Adams on bribery and wire fraud charges, and rap artist Sean "Diddy" Combs facing multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Both Adams and Combs have entered not guilty pleas.

Additionally, Williams was in charge of prosecuting an Iranian national accused of plotting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald Trump earlier this year.

Williams, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, reflected on his decision to step down with mixed emotions. "It is bitter in the sense that I am leaving my dream job, leading an institution I love that is filled with the finest public servants in the world. It is sweet in that I am confident I am leaving at a time when the Office is functioning at an incredibly high level," Williams said in his statement.

Following his departure, Edward Y. Kim, Williams' deputy, will serve as acting U.S. attorney. Former President Donald Trump has already indicated plans to nominate his ex-Securities and Exchange Commission head, Jay Clayton, for the position. Clayton was previously nominated by Trump in 2020, but his appointment was hindered by opposition from New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, amid the contentious circumstances surrounding then-U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman's firing.

Audrey Strauss, who succeeded Berman, served until October 2021 before Williams took over. Trump's intention to appoint Clayton draws from a belief in his qualifications as a respected business leader and public servant. "Jay is going to be a strong Fighter for the Truth as we Make America Great Again," Trump stated in his announcement.

As Williams prepares to leave the office, his legacy remains marked by significant legal victories and a continued effort to uphold judicial integrity.