Clifton T. “Cliff” Barrett has been sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. The ceremony took place at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building in Greensboro, with U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. administering the oath. Barrett was appointed as interim U.S. Attorney by Attorney General Pamela Bondi on June 21.
“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina and thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for placing their trust in me,” stated Barrett during his address.
Barrett emphasized his commitment to making the district safer by working with state, local, and federal law enforcement to address law enforcement priorities set by President Trump.
As the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, Barrett’s jurisdiction covers 24 counties, including areas from Durham County to Yadkin County and reaching from Virginia to South Carolina borders. His office is responsible for prosecuting various federal crimes such as immigration issues, gang violence, national security threats, drug trafficking, and violent crime.
Barrett joined the Department of Justice in September 1994 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in this district and has prosecuted a wide range of federal criminal cases over his career. He has served as Chief of the Criminal Division for 25 years and participated in leadership roles within the Department of Justice.
Before his tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barrett worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Forsyth County, North Carolina for nine years focusing on violent crime cases.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history cum laude from Wake Forest University and a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law where he has also been an Adjunct Professor since 1996.
