President Trump taps director of W.Va. Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation as next leader of Federal Bureau of Prisons

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WSAZ) - President Donald Trump has tapped the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation as the country’s next director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The president announced he has chosen William “Billy” K. Marshall III for the position on his social media platform Truth Social Thursday, saying: “Billy is a strong advocate for law and order. He understands the struggles of our prisons better than anyone, and will help fix our broken criminal justice system. Congratulations Billy, you will inspire us all!”

The president’s full statement is here.

U.S. Senator Jim Justice, (R) W.Va., also posted to social media, congratulating Marshall on his appointment, saying," I was proud to put Billy in charge of our Department of Corrections in West Virginia and we were able to turn it around after decades of decay. I have full confidence in him & know he will do a great job."

Marshall was first appointed the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2023 by then-governor Jim Justice.

Marshall has had a career in public service. He previously served as Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Bureau of Juvenile Services.

Before that, he served more than 25 years with the West Virginia State Police, before retiring in July 2017. Following his retirement, he was appointed as the Criminal Investigation Director for the former West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, now Department of Homeland Security.

Marshall is a graduate of Wahama High School and holds a degree from Marshall University. He is also a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy.

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