Peter McCoy takes oath as SC’s new interim U.S. Attorney

Using a family Bible, Peter McCoy of Charleston was sworn in Monday as interim U.S. Attorney in a quiet ceremony in a third floor courtroom at the Florence federal court house.

McCoy, 41, a lawyer, earlier Monday had submitted his resignation as state representative from Charleston.

Federal Judge R. Bryan Harwell, the state’s chief federal district judge, administered the oath of office.

Because of the coronavirus threat, and out of respect for federal social distancing guidelines, fewer than 10 people attended.

Among those in attendance were former U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon, now a federal judge, a member of her staff and several members of the U.S. Attorney’s office.

After the swearing in, McCoy sent out an email to the entire staff, saying he was honored to assume his new post, that he is proud of the staff’s work in these trying times and that he will rely on the wisdom and guidance of the office’s leaders, sources said.

As Interim U.S. Attorney, McCoy is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of South Carolina. He supervises an office of approximately 62 assistant U.S. attorneys, 75 support staff, and 18 contract support staff, all of whom are responsible for prosecuting federal crimes affecting the district.

Those crimes include narcotics and firearms cases, gang violence, human trafficking, white-collar crime, securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism and civil rights violations. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

“As a former prosecutor, I am honored to have been appointed as Interim U.S. Attorney for one of the greatest federal judicial districts in the country,” said McCoy in a press release. “I look forward to working with federal, state, and local partners to continue the important and excellent work of our office.”

Attorney General William Barr appointed McCoy, whose nomination for U.S. Attorney has been submitted to the Senate by President Trump. McCoy, a Republican, has the blessing of both South Carolina U.S. senators, Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.

This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 6:34 PM.