Stephanie Van Marter has taken on the role of Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington as of July 7, 2025. Born and raised in Spokane, Van Marter is an alumnus of Gonzaga University and its School of Law, where she graduated with highest honors in 1999. Her career at the United States Attorney’s Office spans over two decades, during which she has held various leadership positions such as Senior Litigation Counsel and Deputy Criminal Chief.
Van Marter has been recognized nationally for her successful prosecutions involving transnational drug trafficking and other serious offenses. Her work has contributed to removing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Eastern Washington communities.
Her legal career began as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Ada County, Idaho. While pursuing her law degree, she interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and volunteered as a victim advocate. She also worked at the Spokane Police Department during her undergraduate studies.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Van Marter is active in community service. She serves on the board of the Cancer Care Foundation and was a founding member of the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education (SAFE). Her contributions to these organizations have earned national recognition.
Van Marter expressed gratitude for being appointed Acting United States Attorney: “Having grown up in this community and chosen it as the place to raise my own family, I am humbled and honored to serve as Acting United States Attorney.”
Tom Atkinson from the Bureau of Indian Affairs endorsed her appointment: “Steph Van Marter has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice and public safety… We fully support her appointment as Acting U.S. Attorney.”
Richard R. Barker praised Van Marter’s dedication: “Through her years of service, Steph Van Marter has built outstanding relationships with law enforcement and community members.”
Van Marter aims to build upon the legacy established by previous U.S. Attorneys while continuing collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners across Eastern Washington.
