Peace's departure aligns with the customary transition of U.S. Attorneys following a change in administration. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny is set to assume the role of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York until a successor is appointed and confirmed. In a statement, Peace expressed that serving as U.S. Attorney has been "the honor of a lifetime," highlighting his commitment to protecting the district's residents, upholding the rule of law, and promoting civil rights.
Throughout his tenure, Peace has been instrumental in prosecuting significant cases. Notably, his office secured a guilty plea from former U.S. Representative George Santos on fraud charges, reflecting a broader initiative to address corruption within public office. Additionally, Peace oversaw the conviction of a Goldman Sachs banker involved in the Malaysian development fund scandal, underscoring his commitment to tackling complex financial crimes. Under his leadership, the office also achieved a substantial settlement from French cement maker Lafarge, which faced penalties for payments to terrorist groups.
However, Peace's tenure was not without challenges. In 2022, his office faced a notable setback with the acquittal of Tom Barrack, a fundraiser for former President Trump, who was charged with acting as an illegal foreign agent. Despite this, Peace continued to pursue complex cases, including the indictment of Gautam Adani. The charges against Adani allege that he and his associates engaged in a scheme to defraud investors by concealing plans to bribe Indian officials to secure contracts for a solar energy project. The indictment accuses Adani of paying approximately $265 million in bribes between 2020 and 2024 to obtain these contracts, raising over $3 billion from U.S. investors under false pretenses. Adani and his co-defendants face charges of securities fraud and conspiracy.
The Adani Group has denied the allegations, labeling them as "baseless" and expressing intent to contest the charges vigorously. Legal experts suggest that while the U.S. case against Adani appears strong, extraditing him to the United States may prove challenging. The case has garnered significant attention, given Adani's prominence and the scale of the alleged fraud.
Peace's resignation comes at a pivotal moment, as the incoming administration may influence the direction of ongoing and future prosecutions. The Eastern District of New York, encompassing Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island, is a jurisdiction known for handling complex and high-stakes cases. The transition in leadership will be closely watched, particularly concerning high-profile cases initiated under Peace's tenure.
Carolyn Pokorny, who will step in as Acting U.S. Attorney, brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney under Peace and has a distinguished career in public service, including previous roles as a federal prosecutor and as Deputy Inspector General for the New York Police Department. Her appointment is expected to provide continuity during the transition period.