Security News: Reagan Taylor Fondren Appointed as First Assistant United States Attorney

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Memphis, TN – Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, is 
pleased to announce the appointment of Reagan Taylor Fondren as First Assistant United States 
Attorney for the district.

Ms. Fondren, a native Memphian and graduate of Central High School, completed her undergraduate 
studies at Spelman College and her law degree at the University of Tennessee College of Law. She 
has worked in federal public service with the United States Department of Justice for her entire 
career and has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for over 14 years.

“As a federal prosecutor for over 14 years, and a career public servant, Reagan Taylor Fondren 
brings a wealth of experience and absolute professionalism to a role that is vital to the success 
of our office,” said United States Attorney Kevin G. Ritz. “I am confident that Ms. Fondren will 
lead with skill and integrity in her new role as First Assistant. I look forward to working closely 
with her to promote and defend the interests of the United States in our District.”

Ms. Fondren began her legal career as a Presidential Management Fellow with the Drug Enforcement 
Administration. There she servedin the Office of the Chief Counsel and was responsible for the 
investigation and institution of charges against DEA registrants accused of violating federal 
regulations. In 2008, she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, 
where she gained significant trial and appellate experience as a violent crime and homicide 
prosecutor.

Ms. Fondren has served the Western District of Tennessee since 2014, where she has served as senior 
and lead AUSA in the Civil Rights Unit of the Criminal Division. In this role  she  managed  
complex  investigations  involving  multiple  law  enforcement partners. Four years ago, Ms. 
Fondren joined the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office, where she has served as 
Senior Litigation Counsel. She has defended the United States in an array of civil cases, such as 
employment discrimination, medical malpractice, and prisoner litigation. As head of the Financial 
Litigation and Bankruptcy Divisions, she has worked with government agencies to collect debts and 
represent the interests of the United States in bankruptcy litigation. Additionally, Ms. Fondren 
has served as the Chair of the Diversity Committee and Special Emphasis Program Manager for Black 
Affairs.
Ms. Fondren is married to Rickey Fondren II and they have two children. Ms. Fondren is active in 
community and legal organizations including the National Bar Association, the National Black 
Prosecutors Association, and Girl Scouts Heart of the South.

###

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.green@usdoj.gov. Follow @WDTNNews on Twitter for office news and updates.