Additional Coverage:
- Federal judge refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to DOJ for possible criminal investigation (foxnews.com)
A federal judge has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and his top deputy, Matthew Stiegler, to the Department of Justice for a potential criminal investigation. This development came on Tuesday amid findings in a murder conviction case that raise serious legal concerns.
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond indicated that evidence from the case might involve false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.
While neither Krasner nor Stiegler has been formally charged, the judge took the unusual step of removing both officials from the case. However, Judge Diamond stopped short of disqualifying the entire District Attorney’s office.
In his ruling, Judge Diamond accused Krasner and Stiegler of attempting to pressure prosecutors into presenting a false narrative to the court. He also noted that Krasner allegedly warned of “consequences” if members of his staff disclosed an internal conflict to the court. “I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” Diamond wrote.
The case at the heart of this dispute involves Dennis Johnson, who was convicted in 2009 of killing Kenyatta Smith. In 2022, the DA’s office filed that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief due to ineffective assistance of counsel.
Subsequent concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to Stiegler prompted prosecutors to suggest referring the matter to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Krasner opposed this referral, insisting that someone from his office remain involved to “protect the office.”
Krasner issued a statement expressing his strong disagreement with the court’s findings and said he intends to appeal as soon as legally possible. He noted that the ongoing status of the case limits what he and his office can say publicly at this time.
The Department of Justice has not yet commented on the referral. The situation remains fluid as legal proceedings continue.