John Sarcone's tenure as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, which includes Cayuga, Onondaga and other central New York counties, is over.
Nine U.S. District Court judges in the region declined to extend Sarcone's appointment. He was named as upstate New York's top federal prosecutor by Pam Bondi, the U.S. attorney general under President Donald Trump.
Trump did not nominate Sarcone for the position. Presidents usually nominate candidates for U.S. attorney. The Senate has the authority to confirm the nominees.
Sarcone was an unusual pick because he does not live in the Northern District of New York — he is a Westchester County resident — and he does not have prosecutorial experience. But he is a Trump loyalist. During Trump's first term, he served as the Northeast and Caribbean regional administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration.
Although the U.S. attorney's office is without a top prosecutor, it will continue to function. The office has more than 100 employees, including 49 assistant U.S. attorneys.
Bondi could appoint an interim U.S. attorney after Sarcone's ouster. Trump could also nominate someone who would fill the post if they are confirmed by the Senate. The judges also have the authority to appoint an interim U.S. attorney.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
