Jacksonville Federal Prosecutor Tapped to Lead DOJ Criminal Division

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A. Tysen Duva, a longtime federal prosecutor known for high-profile convictions in Florida, has been nominated for a senior role in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The White House announced on July 30 that Duva has been selected to become an assistant attorney general, with reports indicating he is expected to lead the department’s Criminal Division, pending Senate confirmation.

Duva’s nomination follows a notable career built at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville, Florida, where he prosecuted several prominent public corruption cases. Among his most recognized successes are the convictions of former Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) CEO Aaron Zahn and former U.S. Representative Corrine Brown.

Aaron Zahn was sentenced in 2024 to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme involving the attempted sale of the city-owned utility, JEA. Zahn had been accused of trying to personally profit from the sale through a secretive bonus plan, prompting widespread backlash and scrutiny from city and federal authorities.

Duva also secured a conviction against Corrine Brown, a 12-term Democratic member of Congress, on fraud and tax charges. Although her initial conviction was overturned, she later pleaded guilty in 2022 to a single count of filing false tax returns. The case received national attention due to her long tenure in Congress and the misuse of funds tied to a fraudulent charity.

In addition, Duva led the prosecution of former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown (unrelated), both of whom were sentenced to federal prison for defrauding the government. The charges stemmed from a failed small-business loan connected to a barbecue sauce factory venture backed by federal funds.

According to Bloomberg Law, Duva is expected to succeed Kenneth Polite Jr., who previously led the Criminal Division and managed more than 600 federal prosecutors before stepping down in 2023. The division is currently overseen by Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti, whose team includes more than 1,100 staff, though the precise number of attorneys has not been disclosed.

Duva, 49, earned his law degree from the University of Florida and has worked in federal prosecution since 2002. A former standout baseball player at the University of North Florida, Duva has become known for his no-nonsense courtroom style and commitment to public integrity.

His nomination now heads to the U.S. Senate, where confirmation hearings will determine whether he will officially take over one of the most prominent prosecutorial roles in the federal justice system.