DALLAS (AP) — The top federal prosecutor in North Texas is stepping down to become assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Sarah R. Saldaña said in a statement her resignation will be effective immediately.
Saldaña was confirmed for her new job by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 16 and she took the oath of office Tuesday.
She had served as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas since 2011. During her time as U.S. attorney, Saldaña’s office increased the number of cases prosecuted by 51 percent from 2011 to 2014.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Parker will be appointed acting U.S. Attorney until a replacement is chosen.
The U.S. attorney’s office is headquartered in Dallas and covers over 100 counties in the northern and western areas of Texas.