CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Following his confirmation as US Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia this week, Jefferson County Prosecutor Matt Harvey has tendered his resignation.
In a letter dated Wednesday, October 8th, Harvey said his resignation would be in effect as of that day, Harvey said, “It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve the citizens of Jefferson County as their elected Prosecuting Attorney,” Harvey said. “The trust this community placed in me has been both a responsibility and a privilege, and I will always be proud of the work we accomplished together in pursuit of justice and public safety.”
Now Former Jefferson County Prosecutor Matt Harvey, who this week was confirmed to be the new US Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia
Harvey highlighted what he considered to be achievements since he first took office in 2017:
· Combating violent crime: spearheading prosecutions and initiatives that resulted in safer neighborhoods across Jefferson County;
· Protecting victims: expanding victim advocacy services to ensure survivors of crime have greater support and resources;
· Drug crisis response: developing collaborative strategies with law enforcement, treatment providers, and community groups to address the opioid epidemic; and
· Community trust: launching outreach and transparency efforts to build stronger relationships between the prosecutor’s office and the public.
“This office has never been about one person,” Harvey continued. “It has been about the dedicated team of law enforcement and court professionals who work tirelessly every day to ensure fairness, protect victims, and uphold the rule of law. I know that mission will continue with the same commitment and integrity.”
While Harvey will soon take on his new responsibilities at the federal level, he emphasized that his connection to Jefferson County will remain strong.
“Though I am leaving this office, I will still be serving the community in a similar role. I’ll still be fighting to keep Jefferson County a safe place to raise a family.”
He penned a separate letter thanking those in the community:
As I conclude my service as Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney, to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the people of this community. Serving Jefferson County has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
This office has faced its share of challenges and triumphs, but through it all, our mission has remained constant — to seek justice with fairness, integrity, and compassion. Every decision, every case, every day has been guided by that principle.
To the dedicated prosecutors, victim advocates, investigators, and staff in the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office — thank you. Your commitment and professionalism have been the foundation of everything we accomplished. You have worked tirelessly to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and uphold the rule of law, often without recognition but always with purpose.
To our partners in law enforcement, the courts, and community organizations — thank you for your collaboration and shared dedication to public safety. The work of justice cannot be done alone, and I have been proud to serve alongside people who care so deeply about this community.
And most importantly, to the people of Jefferson County — thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. Your support, encouragement, and engagement have been a source of strength and inspiration. Public service is a privilege, and I have never taken your trust for granted.
Though I will now serve in a different capacity, my commitment to justice and to West Virginia remains the same. I leave with gratitude and pride in what we’ve accomplished together. Jefferson County is stronger because of the collective effort of so many who believe in fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your Prosecuting Attorney. It has been a privilege I will carry with me always.
With sincere appreciation, Matthew Harvey Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney
