METRO EAST — A former U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Illinois has been named Interim U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Steven D. Weinhoeft to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Weinhoeft was appointed to the position in 2018 by President Donald Trump and held it until 2022. The reappointment announced Wednesday is on an interim basis, but only until the nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

A U.S. Department of Justice press release says Weinhoeft "brings decades of experience in federal law enforcement and complex litigation to the position."

He'll replace Rachelle Aud-Crowe, who was removed from the office by the Trump administration in February.

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"I am honored and excited to return to this role to serve the people of the Southern District of Illinois," said Weinhoeft, who continued as a federal prosecutor in southern Illinois for the last three years. "I look forward to working with Attorney General Bondi, our talented team, and our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law with integrity and resolve."

In his 29-year career, Weinhoeft has worked in multiple leadership roles in the U.S. Attorneys including his term as the district's top prosecutor. He's also been first assistant, chief of the criminal division, supervisor of the organized crime drug enforcement task force and dangerous drugs division, while working in the Sangamon County State's Attorney's office in Springfield.

His resume indicates he has trial experience, including broad areas of state and federal law, including violent crime, multi-district and International drug conspiracies, public corruption, national security and complex financial crimes.

Weinhoeft brings technical experience with him having worked as the office's Criminal Computer Hacking-and Intellectual Property Coordinator.

The Southern District of Illinois covers 38 counties and serves approximately 1.2 million people. It has offices in East St. Louis, Benton and Fairview Heights.

Chief United States District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengal swore Weinhoeft in on February 28.

Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here are just some photos from February 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.

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