On October 6, 2025, the DOJ confirmed the dismissal of U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber and Deputy U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh. Both served in the Eastern District of Virginia, a key region for federal contracting cases. The firings followed a sealed internal audit that uncovered case mismanagement and alleged conflicts of interest.
A DOJ spokesperson said, “The department is committed to restoring integrity in procurement enforcement.” No further details were released publicly.
Why It Matters
Virginia hosts thousands of federal contractors. The Eastern District handles cases involving defense, cybersecurity, and logistics firms. The removal of top prosecutors suggests serious lapses in oversight.
According to CNN, “Several whistleblower complaints were ignored or delayed, including those tied to multi-million dollar contracts.” The DOJ’s internal review began in August 2025, after reports of unusual plea deals and dropped indictments.
Fallout and Reactions
Legal experts say the firings are rare. “This is not routine. It’s a message,” said former DOJ official David Laufman. He added that the department may be preparing new indictments or reopening closed cases.
Contractors in the region are on alert. Some firms have hired compliance consultants to review past dealings. Others are bracing for audits and subpoenas.
Virginia Senator Mark Warner called the move “deeply concerning.” He urged the DOJ to clarify its findings and protect whistleblowers.
What Triggered the Firings
Sources told Fox News that the audit focused on three major cases:
- A $280 million logistics contract awarded to a firm with ties to Parekh’s former law partner.
- A cybersecurity breach at a defense contractor that was never prosecuted.
- A whistleblower retaliation case that was dismissed without explanation.
The DOJ has not confirmed these details. But internal memos suggest conflict-of-interest violations and failure to follow federal ethics rules.
Impact on Federal Contractors
The firings could lead to new scrutiny of past awards. Contractors may face reinvestigations, especially if their cases were handled by the Eastern District.
GovCon attorneys expect more aggressive enforcement. “We’re advising clients to prepare for document requests and interviews,” said compliance lawyer Rachel Klein.
The DOJ is also reviewing internal case tracking systems. Officials want to ensure whistleblower tips are logged and escalated properly.
Political Implications
President Trump has not commented directly. But in a recent speech, he said, “We will clean up the swamp in federal contracting.” His administration has pushed for tougher fraud enforcement and contractor transparency.
Some Democrats worry the firings could be politically motivated. Others say the DOJ must act fast to restore trust.
What Comes Next
The DOJ has appointed interim prosecutors to lead the Eastern District. A national search is underway for permanent replacements.
Meanwhile, the Office of Inspector General is expanding its review. More districts may face audits. Contractors nationwide are watching closely.The DOJ says it will release a public summary of findings by October 15. Until then, the full scope of the probe remains sealed.
