United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey was formally sworn in during a ceremony at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The event marked his official start as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Northern District of West Virginia.
Harvey’s nomination came from President Donald J. Trump on June 30, 2025, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 7, 2025. The oath of office was administered by U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh, with United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito reading the Presidential Proclamation to an audience that included Harvey’s friends, family, colleagues, former United States Attorneys, Federal Judges, lawmakers, and staff.
“I am grateful that President Trump has entrusted me to enforce the law, keep our communities safe, and stand with law enforcement,” said Harvey.
The ceremony featured messages of congratulations from Senator Capito and United States Congressman Riley Moore. Video greetings were sent by United States Senator Jim Justice and Congresswoman Carol Miller. Randall Reid-Smith sang the National Anthem while Jefferson High School ROTC presented the colors as honored guests at Harvey’s invitation. The day also included participation from Shepherd University President Dr. Mary Hendrix and the university’s Ram Marching Band. A reception followed the ceremony.
In his new role, Harvey will oversee prosecutions of federal crimes such as violent crime, narcotics trafficking, public corruption, financial fraud, and offenses affecting vulnerable groups. He will also supervise civil litigation involving federal agencies and represent government interests in court.
Before this appointment, Harvey served three terms as Prosecuting Attorney for Jefferson County after earlier work as an Assistant Prosecutor in Berkeley and Kanawha Counties and six years in private practice.
From 2021 to 2022 he was president of the West Virginia Association of Counties and participated actively in civic organizations. In 2023 he was appointed by then governor James C. Justice to serve on the board of the West Virginia First Foundation—a body responsible for managing opioid settlement funds for health programs—and became its first chairman until his confirmation as U.S. Attorney.
Harvey is a graduate of Bluefield State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and holds a Juris Doctorate from Appalachian School of Law. He is originally from Monroe County and now lives in Shepherdstown.
