# Judge asks DOJ to review Krasner conduct

> A federal judge says evidence in a murder case may point to crimes by Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and a top deputy.
- Title: Judge asks DOJ to review Krasner conduct · Fox News | Shortify
- Summary: A federal judge says evidence in a murder case may point to crimes by Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and a top deputy. Krasner and Matthew Stiegler have not…
- Keywords: larry krasner, matthew stiegler, philadelphia, department of justice, paul diamond, dennis johnson, kenyatta smith, perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements, habeas relief, philadelphia district attorney
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-refers-philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-doj-possible-criminal-investigation
- Author: Jasmine Baehr
- Published: 2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: larry krasner, matthew stiegler, philadelphia, department of justice, paul diamond, dennis johnson, kenyatta smith, perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements, habeas relief, philadelphia district attorney
## Judge seeks DOJ review
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and top deputy Matthew Stiegler to the DOJ for possible criminal investigation.
## Possible crimes listed
Diamond said evidence from a murder conviction case could point to false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Neither man has been charged.
## Both removed from case
The judge disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the matter, but let the rest of the Philadelphia DA's office stay on it.
## Pressure claim at center
Diamond alleged the pair pushed prosecutors toward a false narrative and said Krasner warned of consequences if staff told the court about an internal conflict.

> may have violated the law
## Murder case sparked fight
The dispute traces to Dennis Johnson, convicted in 2009 of killing Kenyatta Smith. The DA's office later said Johnson deserved habeas relief over ineffective counsel.
## Krasner plans appeal
Krasner rejected the judge's findings and said he will appeal when allowed. The DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital.

> I respectfully and vigorously disagree
## Key takeaway

Krasner and Matthew Stiegler have not been charged, but a federal judge sent their conduct to DOJ for possible review.