The Justice Department has recently sent grand jury subpoenas to the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, according to information obtained by Fox News. These subpoenas are reportedly linked to potential obstruction of justice concerning the management of cases before federal judges.
Sources have indicated that the subpoenas were issued after a federal judge referred Krasner and his deputy to the DOJ for a possible criminal investigation. Neither Krasner’s office nor the DOJ have commented on the matter.
Over a month ago, U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond referred Krasner and his deputy, Matthew Stiegler, to the DOJ. The judge stated that evidence in a murder conviction case may involve false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. As of now, neither Krasner nor Stiegler have been charged with any offenses.
The controversy arises from the case of Dennis Johnson, convicted in 2009 for the murder of Kenyatta Smith. In 2022, Krasner’s office argued that Johnson deserved habeas relief due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Subsequent concerns about potential conflicts led prosecutors to recommend referring the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Judge Diamond disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the case but did not disqualify the entire DA’s office. The judge accused Krasner and Stiegler of attempting to pressure prosecutors into presenting a false narrative in court and warned staff of potential consequences if they reported an internal conflict. Krasner expressed disagreement with the court’s findings and anticipated appealing to a higher court once legally permissible.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
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