The Justice Department recently issued grand jury subpoenas to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office. These subpoenas are linked to possible obstruction of justice in handling cases before federal judges, according to sources informed about the matter.
These actions follow U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond’s referral of Krasner and Deputy Matthew Stiegler to the DOJ, suggesting possible criminal investigation due to evidence in a murder conviction case. This evidence could involve false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Neither Krasner nor Stiegler has been charged at this time.
Judge Diamond disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the case but did not remove the entire DA’s office from involvement. He accused them of pressuring prosecutors to present a false narrative and warned of consequences if staff members flagged an internal conflict to the court.
This situation originates from Dennis Johnson’s case, who was convicted of the 2009 murder of Kenyatta Smith. The DA’s office suggested Johnson deserved habeas relief due to ineffective assistance of counsel in a 2022 filing. Later, prosecutors identified potential conflicts involving Stiegler and recommended referring the matter to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Krasner resisted this referral, arguing the involvement of someone from his office was necessary to protect their interests.
Krasner expressed his disagreement with the court’s findings and intends to appeal once legally possible, stating, “I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows.” The matter remains pending, limiting responses from Krasner and his office to the media.
This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.
David Spunt reports from Washington D.C. for FOX News Channel, where he has been a correspondent since December 2018.