The U.S. attorney who announced an investigation into "discarded" military ballots in September said Tuesday he is retiring, effective Jan. 1, Fox News reports.
"For the past three years, I have had the great fortune to work with the highly skilled attorneys and staff in the Middle District of Pennsylvania," U.S. Attorney David Freed said in a written statement. "It is an office blessed with experienced and dedicated leaders, and colleagues who truly understand the importance of working together for the benefit of their fellow citizens."
Freed drew national attention — and that of President Donald Trump — when he announced in September he was launching a probe into nine military ballots that had been opened improperly and "discarded."
The ballots were ultimately counted after being verified, but the announcement helped begin Trump's accusations of fraud that have continued well past the election. At least seven of the nine ballots had been cast for Trump.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar later said the incident was a "bad error," but that there had been no "intentional fraud."
Freed gave no reason for resigning, saying, "I have done my best to be thoughtful and consistent, and to provide justice to my fellow citizens in a fair, effective and efficient manner."
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.