Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner Referred to DOJ for Investigation

U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the Department of Justice for an investigation into whether he violated the law while attempting to secure the release of an individual convicted of murder in 2009. Diamond, a judge appointed by former President George W. Bush, also ordered Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler removed from any further involvement in the case.

In a memo, Diamond stated he reluctantly concluded that "Philadelphia's highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law." This conclusion followed testimony alleging a campaign of pressure against employees within the District Attorney's office who raised concerns about a conflict of interest involving Stiegler. Court documents indicate that staff members who voiced these concerns were warned of potential "consequences."

Diamond found that the conduct of Krasner and Stiegler could potentially constitute perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements under oath, and conspiracy.

Krasner responded to the judge's decision, stating, "I respectfully and vigorously disagree" with Diamond's findings. He added, "I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows."

The case in question involves Reginald Johnson, who was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 for the killing of Kenyatta Smith during a robbery two years prior. Johnson was sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2022, Krasner's office filed a petition seeking Johnson's release, arguing that his trial attorney provided ineffective legal representation.