Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to DOJ for Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to DOJ
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond issued a 40-page memorandum concluding that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Conviction Integrity Unit chief Matthew Stiegler may have violated federal law in their handling of a post-conviction case. The memo disqualified both officials from the case and referred them, along with the District Attorney’s Office, to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for possible criminal investigation.
Background & Context
The dispute stems from the 2009 murder conviction of Dennis Johnson, who was found guilty of second-degree murder in the killing of Kenyatta Smith. In 2022 the Krasner office filed a brief supporting Johnson’s habeas petition, arguing ineffective assistance of counsel. Later that year prosecutors in the office filed a motion to withdraw the filing, citing “material misstatements” and alleging a conflict of interest involving the DA. Beginning in May, Judge Diamond held evidentiary hearings in which four prosecutors testified that Krasner pressured staff to keep the case “in the office” to “protect the office,” rather than refer it to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Data & Statistics
- 2009 – Dennis Johnson convicted of second-degree murder, robbery and a firearms offense.
- 2022 – DA’s office filed a brief supporting Johnson’s habeas relief claim.
- 2024 (Tuesday) – Judge Diamond’s memorandum disqualified Krasner and Stiegler and referred them for federal review.
Official Statements & Responses
- Judge Paul Diamond – The memorandum states that the evidence constitutes a “prima facie showing” of false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice and conspiracy, and that the conduct “may violate the law.”
- He noted that the pending nature of the matter limits his office’s ability to comment publicly.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office – A spokesperson declined to comment on the referral.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” — Paul Diamond, district judge
- “I respectfully and vigorously disagree with the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law. I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows. This remains a pending matter, which limits for now my and my office's ability to respond in the media.” — Larry Krasner, philadelphia district attorney
- “I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia's highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law. In these circumstances, with the issuance of this Memorandum, I refer the DAO, Mr. Krasner, and Stiegler to this District's United States Attorney's Office for investigation and other appropriate action,” — Judge Diamond, district judge
What’s Next
Federal prosecutors will review the referral to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to handle the Johnson case under new, independent supervision, without Krasner or Stiegler’s involvement.