BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s new United States attorney is now officially on the job.

Nikolas P. Kerest was sworn into office on Friday by Chief United States District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford.

Kerest was nominated by President Joe Biden in September and he was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday. He has served as an assistant United States attorney since 2010.

As the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in Vermont, he will now oversee a staff that includes 24 attorneys and 27 support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes Vermont. The office also represents the United States and its agencies in civil cases.

Kerest said he’s honored to serve in the new role.

“We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement and community partners to pursue equal justice under the law and to protect and serve the people of Vermont,” he said in a statement. “I am excited to get started.”

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