Rachael Rollins To Be Sworn In As U.S. Attorney

BOSTON — Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins will take the oath of office to become U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts on Monday.

This will make Rollins the first Black woman to serve the role of the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts.

Rollins, a Democrat, is expected to receive her official commission from President Joe Biden by Friday.

With a sharp focus on more severe crimes, like homicides, Rollins has argued that people should not be jailed for crimes that result from mental health or addiction, she instead has pushed for more progressive criminal justice reforms.

"My platform was clear: Divert our overwhelming attention away from the non-serious, non-violent crimes so we could focus our limited resources on prosecuting and preventing the most serious violent crimes," Rollins said.

Rollins has served as Suffolk County District Attorney since 2019 and previously was a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's office.

Gov. Charlie Baker has appointed Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board Chairman Kevin Hayden to Suffolk District Attorney in her place. Hayden will serve the rest of Rollins' term.

As a result of her nomination, the Associated Press reported Rollins saying she has received violent and racist threats against her and her children. She said the U.S. Marshals service denied her request for security detail, as an incoming U.S. Attorney was at "low risk."