Judge Refers Justice Dept. Lawyer for Possible Discipline, Calling Out ‘Lack of Candor’

Key Points:

• A federal judge, Melissa R. DuBose, is referring Kevin M. Bolan, a Trump administration lawyer and civil division head for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island, for investigation due to withholding key information in a case involving an immigrant's release petition.
• Bolan admitted in court to failing to disclose important details about the immigrant, who was arrested and faced an undisclosed murder charge from the Dominican Republic, and has apologized for the omission.
• Judge DuBose emphasized the need for a full investigation into Bolan's lack of candor to prevent similar incidents and indicated the referral would follow local disciplinary rules, which could lead to sanctions ranging from reprimands to disbarment.
• The Department of Homeland Security, Bolan's client, was criticized by the judge and may also face sanctions after publicly challenging her release order without disclosing the international charge, which DHS had instructed Bolan not to reveal.
• The Justice Department deferred questions to DHS, which had not responded at the time of reporting.