U.S. attorney for Vermont announces resignation: Who will replace him?

United States Attorney for Vermont Nikolas Kerest announced his resignation Monday. This is common practice pending a presidential inauguration and party change. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in January 20 and will select his own pick for attorney.

Kerest was appointed to the position by President Joe Biden in 2021 and oversaw a group of 51 employees during his time.

In a press release from his office, Kerest said “representing the United States as a member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office team for over fourteen years and as its leader for the past three years has been the highlight of my career. Public service is a gift.”

Kerest previously served as an assistant United States attorney in Burlington since 2010.

During his tenure in the position, his office focused on addressing violent crime, something that had spiked in Vermont. He supported the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force, and worked with local law enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations to remove violent offenders from the streets.

Kerest’s office also focused on enforcing federal civil rights laws, as well as educating Vermonters about their rights under these laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also taken significant steps to address elder financial fraud in Vermont, prosecuting offenders of those crimes.

His office also successfully represented the Federal Highway Administration against challenges to the construction of Burlington’s Champlain Parkway.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher will become acting attorney when Kerest officially steps down on inauguration day. Kerest’s office stated he hasn’t determined his next career steps yet.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.