Federal Judge Declines to Permanently Appoint Interim U.S. Attorney

A federal judge has chosen not to permanently appoint an interim U.S. attorney who recently claimed that his term had been extended. John Salcone’s current tenure, initially appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi for Upstate New York, will end on Tuesday.

The U.S. District Court for the Upstate District of New York released a statement on Monday indicating that the judge would not utilize the authority to appoint U.S. attorneys under 28 U.S. Code §546(d)—but didn’t provide further details.

Last month, Salcone expressed fear for his safety after a confrontation with illegal immigrants in Albany. He recounted an alarming incident involving Saul Morales Garcia from El Salvador, who allegedly charged at him with a knife, shouting in a foreign language.

Following the judge’s announcement, Salcone mentioned that he had heard from sources indicating a decision had been made to extend his appointment. However, later clarifications from the panel stated that no action had been taken regarding his position.

For Salcone to securely return to his role, he would need an official appointment from President Donald Trump, which must then pass through Senate confirmation, as reported by WXXI.

The northern district of New York encompasses areas from central New York to the Canadian border, including major cities like Albany, Syracuse, and Binghamton.

During his interim appointment in March, Salcone acknowledged the trust placed in him and expressed gratitude to both Attorney General Bondi and President Trump. He highlighted the importance of restoring public faith in governmental and judicial operations.

According to the Justice Department, Salcone will continue to be based in Albany. He has a lengthy history serving as a committed attorney, including roles in the U.S. General Services Administration, where he oversaw a substantial team involved in federal operations.

Salcone’s extensive background also includes establishing law firms, providing legal counsel to various businesses, and engaging in litigation involving business disputes and insurance defense.

Interestingly, attorney Michael Digiacomo received a permanent appointment last month before Salcone’s interim designation expired.