CHARLESTON, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – M. Rhett DeHart became the US interim prosecutor for the District of South Carolina after the resignation of federal attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr.
He takes the position under the Vacancy Reform Act after Trump’s nominee McCoy resigned as of today, as is routine during the presidential changes.
DeHart previously served as the district’s first assistant prosecutor, overseeing the district’s criminal, civil, appeal and administrative divisions, as well as serving as the primary liaison between the U.S. Prosecutor and the U.S. chief district judge.
Born in North Augusta and residing in Mount Pleasant, DeHart has served as a US assistant attorney in the Charleston district office since 2001, prosecuting numerous crimes while focusing on white collar fraud and child exploitation.
DeHart received the United States Attorney Award in 2006, 2009 and 2014 and several law enforcement awards.
He has already prosecuted hundreds of crimes, written 30 appeal documents, tried approximately 20 jury and non-jury trials and argued seven cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Prior to joining the Department of Justice, DeHart was a lawyer on the US Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw the criminal law section. Graduated from Honors College at the University of South Carolina, DeHart graduated from Order of the Coif at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
DeHart will hold the position until a successor is appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate.
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