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Judge refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to federal prosecutors for investigation
The Morning Call • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice for investigation into potential legal violations while overseeing a post-conviction case involving Dennis Johnson.
- U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from the case and cited "troubling" conduct, including allegations of pressuring staff to lie and threatening consequences for non-compliance.
- The judge recommended the DOJ investigate possible crimes such as perjury and obstruction of justice committed by Krasner and Stiegler.
- Krasner strongly disagreed with the ruling and plans to appeal, while Stiegler and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have not commented on the potential investigation.
- The case involves Johnson’s 2009 second-degree murder conviction, which the DA’s office previously sought to overturn due to ineffective counsel, but the petition is currently on hold amid the controversy.
