Philadelphia DA Investigation
Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for Possible Criminal Investigation
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Key Points
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The underlying case concerns Dennis Johnson’s conviction for killing Kenyatta Smith at a Strawberry Mansion convenience store; in 2022, Krasner’s office filed documents saying Johnson was entitled to habeas relief because of ineffective assistance of counsel.
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Four employees reportedly rejected a proposal they considered inappropriate and urged that the case be referred to Pennsylvania’s attorney general, arguing that the office’s stated goal of “protect[ing] the office” was itself a conflict because prosecutors should focus on the case’s merits.
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Judge Diamond said Krasner and Stiegler allegedly tried to shift blame to an assistant district attorney and portray her as a rogue lawyer after problems emerged over a court filing containing errors and misstatements.
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The potential federal inquiry could examine allegations involving false statements, perjury and obstruction of justice, according to the court’s ruling.
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The referral could also create professional consequences for Krasner: the proceedings may lead to disbarment in federal court, potentially triggering disbarment in Pennsylvania and disqualifying him from serving as district attorney.
A federal judge has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and a senior deputy to the Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation. Judge Paul Diamond found evidence suggesting they may have obstructed justice and encouraged prosecutors to present false accounts in a murder case appeal. Diamond removed both from the case after hearings revealed alleged conflicts of interest and disputes over whether the office prioritized protecting itself over seeking justice.
The case involves Dennis Johnson's 2009 murder conviction for killing Kenyatta Smith at a Strawberry Mansion convenience store. Krasner's office filed documents in 2022 saying Johnson deserved a new trial due to ineffective legal help. Fox 29 reported that Krasner denied the judge's findings and plans to appeal, while federal prosecutors declined to comment on any investigation.
Four Prosecutors Rejected Office's 'Protect the Office' Plan
Inside Krasner's office, four employees reportedly rejected a proposal they viewed as inappropriate. According to the court's ruling, these prosecutors argued the office's stated goal of "protect[ing] the office" created a direct conflict. They said prosecutors must focus only on case merits, not organizational protection.
The four employees urged that the case be referred to Pennsylvania's attorney general instead. The judge found this recommendation reasonable, noting the office had put its own interests ahead of proper legal procedure and Johnson's rights.
Judge Claims Krasner and Deputy Blamed a Single Prosecutor
When problems emerged over a court filing containing errors and misstatements, Judge Diamond said Krasner and Deputy Matthew Stiegler allegedly tried to shift blame elsewhere. The ruling states they portrayed an assistant district attorney as a rogue lawyer acting alone. This characterization contradicted earlier evidence showing broader office involvement.
The judge found this attempt to deflect responsibility particularly troubling in a case where Johnson sought to overturn a murder conviction. Diamond suggested the office's actions undermined the integrity of the habeas corpus process designed to protect defendants' rights.
Federal Investigation Could Include Perjury and Obstruction Charges
According to the judge's referral, the Department of Justice investigation may examine allegations involving false statements, perjury and obstruction of justice. Fox News reported that any federal inquiry would generally remain confidential until prosecutors decide whether to bring charges.
The referral could trigger serious professional consequences. The proceedings may lead to disbarment in federal court, which could automatically trigger disbarment in Pennsylvania. Such a result would disqualify Krasner from serving as district attorney of Philadelphia.
Krasner Defends His Office and Signals Legal Fight Ahead
Krasner denied the judge's findings and said he plans to appeal the removal order. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on whether they will investigate or what timeline any inquiry might follow. The case now awaits assignment to a new judge.
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