Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Attorney Faces Backlash Over Controversial Plea Deal

5/5/2025

40 5

Summary

Story summary

Bill Essayli, the newly appointed U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, is under fire for proposing a plea deal that downgraded convicted sheriff's deputy Trevor Kirk's felony charge to a misdemeanor, prompting multiple federal prosecutors to resign in protest. Additionally, former prosecutor Adam Schleifer alleges his dismissal was tied to his pursuit of fraud charges against Fat Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn.

1 of 1

Story summary

Bill Essayli, the newly appointed U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, is under fire for proposing a plea deal that downgraded convicted sheriff's deputy Trevor Kirk's felony charge to a misdemeanor, prompting multiple federal prosecutors to resign in protest. Additionally, former prosecutor Adam Schleifer alleges his dismissal was tied to his pursuit of fraud charges against Fat Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn.