United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey took the formal oath of office Friday in a special ceremony at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown.
Harvey was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on June 30, 2025, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2025. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh administered the oath of office, and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito read the Presidential Proclamation before friends, family and colleagues.
“I am grateful that President Trump has entrusted me to enforce the law, keep our communities safe, and stand with law enforcement,” Harvey said.
The investiture ceremony was attended by former United States Attorneys, federal judges, lawmakers, colleagues, staff and Harvey’s family and friends. Messages of congratulations were shared by Capito and U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, as well as video messages from U.S. Senator Jim Justice and U.S. Congresswoman Carol Miller. Randall Reid-Smith with Senator Justice’s office sang the National Anthem. The Jefferson High School ROTC presented the colors and were invited as honored guests by Harvey. Shepherd University President Dr. Mary Hendrix and the Shepherd University Ram Marching Band also helped celebrate the day. The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by Harvey’s family.
As U.S. Attorney, Harvey oversees the prosecution of federal crimes including violent crime, narcotics trafficking, public corruption, financial fraud and offenses impacting vulnerable populations. He also supervises civil litigation on behalf of the United States, defending federal agencies and advancing the government’s legal interests.
Harvey previously served as the Prosecuting Attorney for Jefferson County, having been elected to three terms after serving as an Assistant Prosecutor in both Berkeley and Kanawha counties. Prior to his time as the elected prosecutor, he spent six years in private practice.
From 2021 to 2022, Harvey served as president of the West Virginia Association of Counties. In 2023, then-Governor James C. Justice appointed him to serve on the board of the West Virginia First Foundation, created to receive and disburse opioid funds from the state’s litigation against drug manufacturers and distributors. Harvey was selected by the board to serve as its first chairman, where he continued to serve until his confirmation by the Senate.
Harvey is a graduate of Bluefield State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Appalachian School of Law. A native of Monroe County, he currently resides in Shepherdstown.
