In the demanding world of federal prosecution and national security, few careers reflect as much depth, resilience, and impact as that of Saritha Komatireddy.
Saritha Komatireddy: A Calling Shaped by History
After the September 11 terrorist attacks, many Americans felt a renewed sense of national purpose. For Saritha Komatireddy, that moment crystallized her calling. Determined to contribute meaningfully to national security and the rule of law, she pursued legal education with the goal of entering public service.
She graduated from Harvard College before earning her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. At Harvard Law, she distinguished herself not only academically but also as Bluebook Chair for the Harvard Law Review—an elite role requiring exceptional mastery of legal scholarship and precision.
From the very beginning, Saritha Komatireddy demonstrated that excellence and service would define her path.
A Formative Clerkship at the Federal Bench
Before entering prosecution, Saritha Komatireddy clerked for then-Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. This experience placed her at the center of complex constitutional and administrative law questions, sharpening her analytical discipline and understanding of appellate advocacy.
Clerking at one of the nation’s most influential appellate courts provided her with a rare vantage point: the ability to see how legal arguments shape national policy and precedent. That insight would later prove invaluable as she stepped into the courtroom as a federal prosecutor.
Saritha Komatireddy: A Decade of Service in the Eastern District of New York
Saritha Komatireddy served for more than ten years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York—one of the most respected and high-profile prosecutorial offices in the United States.
During her tenure, she:
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Conducted eight federal jury trials
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Argued more than fifteen appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
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Prosecuted cases involving international terrorism, cybercrime, transnational criminal enterprises, money laundering, export controls, economic sanctions, foreign public corruption, violent gangs, and narcotics trafficking
Saritha Komatireddy was not only a trial lawyer; she was a strategist in some of the nation’s most complex national security investigations. As a senior member of the National Security & Cybercrime Section, she confronted evolving threats—from terrorist networks like Al Qaeda and ISIS to sophisticated cybercriminal enterprises operating across borders.
Her cases impacted communities across New York State—from New York City and Long Island to Buffalo and Rochester—demonstrating her commitment to both national security and local safety.
Leadership in High-Stakes Prosecution
Saritha Komatireddy’s influence extended beyond individual cases. She held multiple leadership positions within the Eastern District of New York, including:
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Chief of International Narcotics and Money Laundering
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Deputy Chief of Appeals
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Deputy Chief of General Crimes
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Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator
In these roles, she supervised prosecutors, guided litigation strategy, and ensured that investigations were executed with precision and integrity. She understood that prosecution is not only about securing convictions—it is about safeguarding constitutional principles while holding wrongdoers accountable.
Her leadership style combined intellectual depth with mentorship, cultivating teams capable of handling some of the most sensitive and complex cases in federal law enforcement.
National Impact: Chief of Staff of the Drug Enforcement Administration
From 2023 to 2024, Saritha Komatireddy served as Chief of Staff of the Drug Enforcement Administration, a global law enforcement agency with more than 10,000 personnel.
In this role, she operated at the strategic epicenter of the nation’s fight against transnational drug trafficking organizations. Her responsibilities required balancing operational realities with policy oversight, interagency coordination, and global engagement.
Serving at the helm of such a vast organization demanded not only legal acumen but also executive leadership. Saritha Komatireddy’s ability to transition from courtroom advocate to high-level policymaker speaks to her breadth of capability and vision.
Counsel During National Crisis
Earlier in her career, Saritha Komatireddy served as Counsel to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. In the wake of one of the most significant environmental disasters in American history, she contributed to investigative and policy analysis efforts that examined regulatory oversight and systemic reform.
Her involvement in that national inquiry reflected her broader commitment: confronting complex problems at the intersection of law, public policy, and national consequence.
Saritha Komatireddy: Recognition and Awards
Excellence rarely goes unnoticed. Saritha Komatireddy has received numerous prestigious honors, including:
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Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Prosecutor of the Year Award (2023, 2024)
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Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award (2022, 2023)
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Attorney General’s John Marshall Award (2022)
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Federal Drug Agents Foundation True American Hero Award (2020, 2022)
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Department of Justice Director’s Award for Superior Performance (2017)
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Federal Bar Association Younger Federal Lawyer Award (2017)
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United States Presidential Scholar (2001)