Jay Combs joined the Department of Justice in 2006 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Texas and was hired in the Eastern District of Texas in 2010. As an AUSA, Combs has prosecuted organized crime, immigration, narcotics and human trafficking cases, as well as fraud, public corruption and white-collar matters. He has received several nationwide awards during his time in the Department of Justice, recognizing his contributions in the fight against international drug cartels.

Before joining the Department, Combs served on active duty in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General for six years. He is a twenty-year veteran of the Army with active-duty service as well as service in the reserve component. Combs served two combat tours. He served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-91). Combs also served in Afghanistan in 2008-2009 where he was awarded the Bronze Star medal.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and his law degree from the University of New Mexico. He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 30 years and they have seven children.