DOJ Subpoenas Philly DA Krasner in Federal Criminal Probe
Federal prosecutors subpoena Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner amid allegations of obstruction of justice and false statements to the court.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has issued grand jury subpoenas to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The probe centers on allegations of obstruction of justice by Krasner’s office, following a referral from a federal judge who accused him of providing false information to the court.
Case Against Krasner and Deputy Stiegler
The investigation stems from Krasner’s handling of a case involving Dennis Johnson, a man convicted of second-degree murder in 2009. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison without parole after killing a woman at a Philadelphia convenience store. Over the past decade, Johnson has fought to overturn his conviction, with Krasner and his top deputy, Matthew Stiegler, allegedly playing a key role in that effort.
According to court records, Krasner and Stiegler are accused of making false statements and encouraging perjury in an attempt to overturn Johnson’s conviction. U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond referred Krasner to the DOJ, citing concerns that the DA and his deputy lied to the court. In a strongly worded ruling, Judge Diamond stated that he had “reluctantly concluded” that Krasner and his assistant may have violated the law.
“I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” Judge Diamond wrote, further accusing Krasner of pressuring subordinates to lie to the court.
Broader Implications of the Investigation
The case raises serious questions about the integrity of the legal process and the role of public officials in upholding the law. Krasner, a known supporter of the Open Society Foundations, has faced scrutiny over his policies and actions in recent years. The DOJ’s involvement signals a significant escalation in the matter, as federal prosecutors now have the authority to pursue criminal charges against Krasner and his team.
This investigation is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges facing public officials who have been accused of misleading the court or obstructing justice. As the probe continues, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the legal system and the role of prosecutors in criminal cases.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
