US Attorney – Philadelphia, PA

Office Overview and Jurisdiction

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (USAO-EDPA) is the principal federal law enforcement agency in the region. Located at 615 Chestnut Street within the One Independence Mall building, this office is responsible for the prosecution of federal crimes and the representation of the United States government in civil litigation. Led by the U.S. Attorney, the office serves a jurisdiction covering nine counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. The team consists of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and support staff who handle a wide range of cases, from international terrorism, public corruption, and complex financial fraud to narcotics trafficking and violent crime.

Key Divisions and Functions

The office is organized into three primary divisions: Criminal, Civil, and Administrative. The Criminal Division works closely with federal investigative agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF to prosecute violations of federal law. The Civil Division defends the United States and its agencies in lawsuits and pursues affirmative litigation to recover funds lost to fraud or to enforce civil rights laws. Additionally, the office plays a significant role in Asset Forfeiture and financial litigation, collecting criminal and civil debts owed to the government and victims of crime. It is important to note that this is a prosecutorial office, not a public defender’s office; it does not provide legal representation to private citizens seeking advice.

Security and Visitor Policy

As a high-profile federal law enforcement office, security at 615 Chestnut Street is rigorous. The facility is not open to the general public for walk-in services. Visitors typically include law enforcement agents, opposing counsel, witnesses, and scheduled guests. All visitors must have a pre-arranged appointment and must present valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival. Security screening procedures, including metal detectors and bag checks, are in effect. Electronic devices may be restricted depending on the nature of the visit. Individuals wishing to report a federal crime should generally contact the appropriate federal investigative agency (e.g., FBI) directly, rather than attempting to report it in person at the U.S. Attorney’s reception desk.

Location and Transit

The office is situated in the historic Independence Mall area, making it highly accessible via public transportation. The 5th Street/Independence Hall Station on the Market-Frankford Line (MFL) is located just one block away. Several SEPTA bus routes, including the 17, 33, 42, and 44, stop in the immediate vicinity on Market and Chestnut Streets. For those traveling by Regional Rail, Jefferson Station is a walkable distance (approximately four blocks west). Parking in this tourist-heavy district is expensive and limited; while there are commercial garages on 6th and 7th Streets, public transit is the recommended mode of travel for official business.

• Reporting Crimes: Contact federal agencies (FBI, DEA) directly for emergencies or tips.
• No Legal Advice: This office represents the U.S. Government, not individual citizens.
• Media Inquiries: Press should contact the Public Affairs Officer via email or phone.
• Appointment Only: Unscheduled visits are generally not permitted.