June 6th, 2025 Local News
St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - United States Attorney Sayler Fleming has officially resigned as the head prosecutor for the Eastern District of Missouri, concluding her service at midnight Friday. The announcement came Tuesday, with Fleming describing her tenure as “the privilege of a lifetime.”
Appointed by then-Attorney General William Barr in December 2020, Fleming led the district through a period of high-profile federal prosecutions, especially targeting violent crime. The Eastern District of Missouri is a national leader in federal gun prosecutions, including carjackings, armed robberies, and murders. Under her leadership, St. Louis was selected for the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, which focuses federal resources on the most dangerous offenders.
Fleming also played a critical role in a 2023 agreement allowing federal prosecutors to assist with murder cases in St. Louis following the resignation of Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner. Her office trained law enforcement in overdose investigations, tackled the illegal use of machine gun conversion devices, and expanded efforts against child exploitation.
In response to her resignation, numerous law enforcement leaders praised Fleming’s leadership and collaboration, including representatives from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and multiple area police departments.
Fleming joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 after working at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. A Charleston, Missouri native, she earned her law degree from Vanderbilt University after receiving her accounting degree from Mississippi State.
Stepping into her role is former First Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Drake, who joined the office in 2002 and will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney. The Eastern District of Missouri covers 49 counties and is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and representing the U.S. in civil matters.
