Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia’s Soros DA Larry Krasner to DOJ Over Possible Criminal Conduct › American Greatness– amgreatness.com

A federal judge has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and one of his top deputies to federal prosecutors for investigation, citing evidence of possible perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements and conspiracy stemming from the handling of a convicted murderer’s appeal.

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond on Tuesday also disqualified Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler, chief of the office’s Conviction Integrity Unit, from further involvement in the case of Dennis Johnson. Johnson was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 in connection with the 2007 killing of Kenyatta Smith.

Diamond’s 40-page memorandum followed hearings examining how Krasner’s office handled Johnson’s effort to overturn his conviction. The judge said testimony indicated Krasner and Stiegler may have pressured prosecutors to present a false account to the court while attempting to protect the district attorney’s office and Stiegler.

“I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” Diamond wrote.

According to court documents, prosecutors within Krasner’s office recommended referring the Johnson matter to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office because of potential conflicts involving Stiegler. Krasner rejected that approach, saying he needed to remain involved to “protect the office.” Diamond also said Krasner warned employees of “consequences” if they alerted the court to the conflict.

No criminal charges have been filed against Krasner or Stiegler. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has not said whether it will pursue an investigation.