New United States attorney for Western District takes office

FORT SMITH — Duane “Dak” Kees took the oath of office to become the new U.S. attorney for the Western District of Arkansas on Friday in Fort Smith.

Nominated by President Donald Trump on Sept. 28, 2017, Kees was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 20, took the oath of office from U.S. District Court Chief Judge P.K. Holmes III, and began work immediately after Friday’s ceremony.

“I am honored and excited to begin serving the people of Arkansas as U.S. attorney for the Western District,” Kees said in a news release. “I am grateful to Sens. (John) Boozman and (Tom) Cotton for their support. I look forward to working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the citizens of Arkansas.”

As U.S. attorney, Kees is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Western District, which includes six divisions and 34 counties within Arkansas, with its primary office in Fort Smith. He oversees a staff of 41 employees, including 21 attorneys and 20 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Born in Little Rock, Kees is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas School of Law. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001 and rose to the rank of captain while earning numerous awards and decorations.

During his military career, Kees served as a legal assistance attorney, trial counsel, brigade judge advocate and senior defense attorney. He is currently serving with the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson in Little Rock and holds the rank of major.

Kees succeeds Hot Springs native Kenneth Elser, who had served as acting U.S. attorney since Conner Eldridge’s resignation on Aug. 21, 2015.