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Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to DOJ Over Murder Conviction Case
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and top deputy Matthew Stiegler to the Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation, citing evidence that may constitute false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Krasner disputes the findings and plans to appeal.
By Tertius News AI Desk5 outlets · 16 publishers · 16 articlesCoverage Published v5
Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia DA to DOJ
PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge on Tuesday referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation, finding that he and a top deputy may have broken the law while overseeing a post-conviction murder case.
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond said in a memorandum that evidence uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings in the case could constitute false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Diamond also disqualified Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler from participating further in the case, but declined to disqualify the entire district attorney's office.
The referral stems from a case in which a man is seeking to overturn his murder conviction. In 2022, the district attorney's office filed a court brief agreeing that the defendant, Dennis Johnson, was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel, according to court records.
Judge Diamond's memorandum said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings into how the office handled the Johnson case. Diamond wrote that testimony from some of Krasner's staffers revealed actions that he described as evidence of possible criminal conduct, including pressuring staffers to provide false information to the court and threatening consequences for those who did not follow orders.
Four prosecutors in the district attorney's office alleged that Krasner pressured staffers to provide false information to the court to shield a supervisor from blame, according to court documents.
Krasner opposed the disqualification, arguing that he needed to stay involved to "protect the office," according to court documents.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries seeking details about the potential investigation.
How each outlet told it
A framing line is our reading of that outlet's own text — an interpretation, not a quotation and not a fact we assert. Check it against what the outlet published.
Fox News — World
Framing: Highlights the judge's referral of the DA to the DOJ for criminal investigation, emphasizing the severity of the action.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and top deputy Matthew Stiegler to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tuesday for possible criminal investigation.
District Judge Paul Diamond said evidence uncovered in a murder conviction case could constitute false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.
Diamond also disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the case but declined to disqualify the entire DA's office.
Krasner said in a statement: "I respectfully and vigorously disagree with the court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law."
Krasner said: "I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows."
Krasner said: "This remains a pending matter, which limits for now my and my office’s ability to respond in the media."
The DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: Emphasizes the judge's belief that the DA may have broken the law and the referral to the US Attorney
Facts Included:
Federal Judge Paul S. Diamond said Tuesday that District Attorney Larry Krasner may have broken the law while overseeing a contentious post-conviction case, and he said he referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate whether Krasner should be charged with crimes including conspiracy or obstruction of justice.
Diamond ruled that Krasner and one of his top supervisors, Matthew Stiegler, could no longer participate in the case — a matter in which a man is seeking to have his murder conviction overturned.
Diamond wrote that testimony from some of Krasner's staffers revealed actions by Krasner and Stiegler that he called 'troubling,' 'disturbing' — and potentially illegal.
Those actions included pressuring other staffers to take steps to protect Stiegler and blame one of his subordinates, urging staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner's orders.
Diamond wrote: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia's highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said in a statement: 'I respectfully and vigorously disagree' with Diamond's findings, adding: 'I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows.'
In 2022, then-Assistant District Attorney Jaclyn Mason filed a brief changing course, agreeing with Johnson's lawyers that his trial counsel had been ineffective and recommending that Johnson's conviction be overturned.
Mason's supervisors testified that Stiegler and eventually Krasner did try to persuade them to direct blame toward Mason.
Diamond said Krasner repeatedly rejected requests by the law division supervisors to refer the case to the attorney general's office, and that Krasner's threat of 'consequences' 'could amount to obstruction of justice.'
Diamond said the efforts by Krasner and Stiegler to present a false narrative to the court 'might amount to conspiracy.'
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the judge's action of referring the Philadelphia district attorney to federal prosecutors for investigation. — The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The tone is measured, reporting the judge's actions and statements without overt emotional language.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond recommended that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action', the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Diamond said: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
Krasner said he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision and looks forward to appealing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office'.
Framing: The referral of Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to federal prosecutors for investigation
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond took the unusual step of recommending that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action' the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings into how the DA's office handled the Johnson case.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Krasner said in a statement that he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision.
Krasner said, 'I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows,' adding that he could not comment further because the case is pending.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania also did not immediately reply to inquiries seeking details about the potential investigation.
In 2022 the DA's office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office,' according to the documents.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the 'stunning' referral of Krasner for federal criminal investigation over providing false information.
Facts Included:
Federal Judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner for federal criminal investigation for providing false information to the court.
Judge Diamond is a George W. Bush appointee.
Krasner and his top deputy, Matthew Stiegler, were barred from participating in Johnson's case.
Four prosecutors in the DA's office alleged that Krasner pressured staffers to provide false information to the court.
Judge Diamond wrote: "I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law."
Judge Diamond referred the DAO, Krasner, and Stiegler to the U.S. Attorney's Office for investigation.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Diamond made statements about possible crimes including conspiracy or obstruction of justice.
Testimony revealed actions by Krasner and Stiegler that Diamond called "troubling," "disturbing" — and potentially illegal.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the judge's referral of Krasner to federal prosecutors, highlighting a significant legal action.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to federal prosecutors Tuesday.
The judge found that Krasner and a senior assistant may have broken the law while trying to conceal how their office supported overturning a murder conviction.
District Judge Paul Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case.
The judge concluded that their personal interests conflicted with their responsibilities as prosecutors.
Krasner is an elected Democrat.
Critics including President Donald Trump and Republicans in the state have accused Krasner's office of implementing soft-on-crime policies.
Framing: Emphasizes the judge's action of referring the district attorney to federal prosecutors for investigation. — Measured and factual, reporting the judge's allegations and Krasner's denial without overt editorializing.
Facts Included:
A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday for investigation into whether he broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant DA Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
Diamond also took the unusual step of recommending that the DOJ investigate whether Krasner committed any crimes, including perjury and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
In a memorandum referring the matter for 'investigation and other appropriate action' the judge said 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings into how the DA’s office handled the Johnson case.
That included allegedly pressuring staffers to lie to Diamond in court and threatening 'consequences' for those who did not follow Krasner’s orders, the judge wrote.
Krasner said in a statement that he 'respectfully and vigorously' disagrees with the decision.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania also did not immediately reply to inquiries seeking details about the potential investigation.
In 2022 the DA’s office made a court filing stating that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel.
Court documents show that DA employees told Krasner the case should be directed to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office due to potential conflicts of interest involving Stiegler.
Krasner opposed the move, saying he needed to stay involved to 'protect the office,' according to the documents.
AI-extracted; can misattribute a claim — see Methodology.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe Department of Justice on Tuesday began an investigation into whether Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner broke the law while overseeing a post-conviction case.
ClaimJudge Paul Diamond disqualified Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction overturned.
ClaimJudge Diamond referred Krasner and Stiegler to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for investigation and other appropriate action.
ClaimJudge Diamond wrote that 'troubling' activity by Krasner and Stiegler was uncovered during recent evidentiary hearings into how the DA's office handled the Johnson case.
ClaimJudge Diamond wrote: 'I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia's highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.'
ClaimThe U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania did not immediately reply to inquiries seeking details about the potential investigation.
ClaimJudge Diamond said evidence uncovered in a murder conviction case could constitute false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.
ClaimFour prosecutors in the DA's office alleged that Krasner pressured staffers to provide false information to the court to shield a supervisor from blame.
ClaimTestimony from some of Krasner's staffers revealed actions by Krasner and Stiegler that Judge Diamond described as evidence of possible criminal conduct.
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Transparency & Audit Trail
5 outlets · 16 publishers · 16 articles consulted: Fox News — World, Baltimore Sun, The Boston Herald, Hartford Courant, Boulder Daily Camera, The Mercury News, Santa Ana Orange County Register, Mechanicsburg Patriot News, Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Reading Eagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, SFGATE, The Gateway Pundit, Washington Examiner, WTOP13 claims extractedVersion 5Written 2026-09-16