From New York Post · · 1m 50s
Philly DA referred to DOJ over murder case scandal
A federal judge found evidence that Larry Krasner may have broken the law while protecting a top aide in a wrongful conviction case.
In brief
A federal judge found evidence that Larry Krasner may have broken the law while protecting a top aide in a wrongful conviction case. A federal judge referred Philadelphia's district attorney to the Justice Department for potential violations including perjury and obstruction of justice related to how he handled a…
Federal judge refers Krasner to DOJ
US District Judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the Justice Department on Tuesday for investigation into potential violations of law.
Judge finds potential crimes
Diamond concluded Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler may have committed perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements under oath, and conspiracy.
“may have violated the law”
The case at the center
The scandal involves a 2009 murder conviction of a man named Johnson, who was sentenced to life for killing Kenyatta Smith during a robbery. Krasner's office filed to release him in November 2022, claiming ineffective legal representation.
Stiegler assigned inexperienced prosecutor
Stiegler assigned the case to Assistant DA Jaclyn Mason, who had a background in patent law with no criminal litigation experience, even though he had already decided to seek Johnson's release.
Krasner pressured staff and retaliated
Krasner told prosecutors to find mistakes in Mason's other cases to establish a pattern, and threatened unspecified consequences against staff who raised conflict of interest concerns about Stiegler.
“we have to have somebody in the room, in the courtroom to protect the office”
Stiegler blamed Mason, then withdrew
When the petition was withdrawn in June, Stiegler blamed Mason entirely, saying she inserted false facts. Mason had resigned days earlier, claiming Stiegler used her to further his agenda.
“used me to further his personal agenda”
Krasner rejects findings, vows appeal
Krasner said he respectfully disagrees with the judge and plans to appeal. The case is now in limbo, and it's unclear which prosecutor will handle Johnson's release bid.
“I respectfully and vigorously disagree”
What to remember
A federal judge referred Philadelphia's district attorney to the Justice Department for potential violations including perjury and obstruction of justice related to how he handled a murder case and pressured staff who raised concerns.
