U.S. Attorney for Nevada: Key role, recent leaders, and major cases
As Nevada’s top federal prosecutor, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada leads a team of over 100 prosecutors and staff in Las Vegas and Reno, handling more than 1,000 cases annually. The office tackles the state’s unique challenges, from multimillion-dollar fraud schemes to organized crime, national security threats, and tourism-related crimes like money laundering. Partnering with agencies such as the FBI and DEA, the U.S. Attorney sets enforcement priorities, defends U.S. interests in civil litigation, and upholds impartial justice. Between 2023 and 2024, the office recovered over $14 million for victims, balancing prosecution with restitution. As a pivotal figure in one of 93 federal districts, the role often mirrors political shifts, exemplified by Jason Frierson’s 2025 resignation and Sigal Chattah’s subsequent appointment, signaling changes in leadership and policy.
Recent leaders:
Sigal Chattah (April 2025–present): Appointed interim U.S. Attorney by President Trump, Chattah’s tenure was extended to Acting U.S. Attorney on July 29, 2025, via the Vacancies Reform Act, bypassing Senate confirmation. A Las Vegas attorney and Republican National Committeewoman. Her priorities include prosecuting crimes involving narcotics, violence against people, and public corruption.
Sue Fahami (January–April 2025): As First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Fahami briefly served as Acting U.S. Attorney post-Frierson, managing the office’s transition.
Jason Frierson (2022–January 2025): Nominated by President Biden, Frierson led the office in collecting $7.5 million in criminal and civil actions in 2023, including significant victim restitution cases like United States v. Melissa Landgraf, where $134,385.84 was recovered for an embezzlement victim.
Nicholas Trutanich (2019–2021): Appointed by Trump, Trutanich focused on violent crime and national security, prosecuting cases like Conor Climo, who was sentenced for plotting attacks after possessing bomb-making materials.
Dayle Elieson (Interim, 2018): A seasoned prosecutor, Elieson handled fraud and terrorism cases before returning to her role as Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Significant cases:
Health Care Fraud (2025): Chattah led Nevada’s part in a nationwide takedown, charging Paulino Gonzalez and Mary Huntly for a $94 million Medicare fraud scheme involving kickbacks for unnecessary medical treatments, resulting in over $54 million in losses.
PPP Loan Fraud (2024–2025): Chattah continued Frierson’s work, returning $531,308.46 and $1,068,123.94 to victims and the Small Business Administration for fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loans. An additional $32.2 million was returned to an undisclosed victim.
Investment Fraud (2024): The office, under Frierson, prosecuted Mykalai Kontilai, who was sentenced to 51 months and ordered to pay $6.1 million for defrauding investors of $23 million through false claims about his company, Collector’s Coffee.
Violent Crime (2019–2021): Under Trutanich, the office prosecuted Conor Climo, sentenced to two years for possessing bomb-making materials with intent to attack a synagogue and LGBTQ+ bar.
Current dynamics:
Chattah’s extended term, potentially indefinite without Senate approval, has sparked debate over executive power and Senate oversight. Her office continues to pursue cases initiated by Frierson while aligning with President Trump’s priorities, such as immigration enforcement and election fraud. The office’s work remains vital for Nevada’s federal law enforcement, balancing high-profile prosecutions with community engagement.
