Shawn Christopher Lewis, the new liaison to local law enforcement for Los Angeles’s top federal prosecutor, is facing state criminal charges and has prior DUI convictions. Public records reveal Lewis served as chief of staff for First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli when Essayli was a California assemblyman. Lewis now works for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California as a community resource specialist.
His role includes public affairs duties like drafting press releases and engaging with the media. Despite his criminal history, Lewis was hired following standard procedures and accepted an offer in February 2026, according to his attorney, Jeff Raven. Lewis had several DUI convictions: 2013, 2015, and 2021, and is currently facing misdemeanor battery charges in Sacramento.
Reports indicate Lewis allegedly assaulted a man and interfered with his attempt to call 911. He was initially booked on charges of resisting arrest and public intoxication. He was still on probation for his third DUI conviction at the time of his arrest. Yolo County District Attorney’s Office has filed a probation violation.
Critics highlight concerns about the integrity of Justice Department hiring standards given Lewis’s criminal background. Former officials point out past employees wouldn’t have cleared a background check if they had similar histories. As the Justice Department faces staffing shortages, hiring employees with criminal backgrounds appears more common.
A Justice Department spokesperson states that their thorough background check and employment screening remain unchanged, insisting on intensive reporting standards for all staff.
The pending battery charge against Lewis involves a confrontation with a former colleague. The alleged victim claims Lewis became aggressive and struck him multiple times, injuring his hand. Lewis reportedly threw the victim’s phone onto a roof, preventing him from calling 911.
Lewis has repeatedly violated probation terms from his prior DUI convictions. After his first DUI in San Mateo County, he failed to enroll in a court-ordered program, resulting in another arrest. In 2015, Lewis faced DUI charges while on probation. His blood alcohol level was almost twice the legal limit during his 2021 DUI offense in Yolo County. He completed an 18-month program for repeat offenders in 2024.
Documents outline a recent probation violation due to his battery arrest, with Lewis receiving a notice for a court appearance on Aug. 19. Concerns have been raised over Justice Department hiring during President Trump’s second term, including Megan Frederick, who was formerly accused of assault. Her employment ended earlier this year, and she was escorted out of the building.
Justice Department regulations have been updated to require self-reporting of major life changes, including arrests and excessive alcohol use, emphasizing security and transparency.
Leave a Reply