Rachael Rollins Sworn In As US Attorney For Massachusetts

BOSTON (CBS) -- Rachael Rollins was officially sworn in as US Attorney for Massachusetts on Monday.

The former Suffolk County District Attorney took the oath of office during a private ceremony at the Moakley courthouse. A formal celebration is set for a later date.

Rollins is the first Black woman to serve in the role as top federal prosecutor for Massachusetts. She was narrowly confirmed to the position by the Senate, with Republicans decrying her progressive policy positions as "pro-criminal."

Rollins was elected as district attorney in 2018 after promising to not prosecute some low-level crimes. She said she wanted to focus on serious crimes instead of ones resulting from mental health or addiction problems.

"As I begin this next chapter as the United States Attorney, I look forward to the challenges ahead," Rollins said in a statement. "There is much to be done and I am blessed to be walking into an office with highly skilled attorneys and staff who have the same commitment to public safety and community wellbeing and health."

In one of her last acts as district attorney last week, Rollins announced a criminal investigation into the MBTA over a Green Line crash.

Gov. Charlie Baker has appointed Sex Offender Registry Board chair Kevin Hayden to serve out the remainder of Rollins' term as Suffolk County district attorney.