A federal judge has formally referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and a senior assistant to federal prosecutors, alleging potential legal violations in their handling of a post-conviction murder case review.
U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond Jr. issued a memorandum Tuesday requesting an investigation into Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stiegler, citing concerns of obstruction of justice and conflicts of interest. The judge disqualified both from participating in the case involving Dennis Johnson, a man seeking to overturn his second-degree murder conviction. Diamond concluded that Krasner and Stiegler may have attempted to conceal their office’s role in supporting Johnson’s exoneration effort.
Diamond’s memo states that Krasner and Stiegler sought to persuade prosecutors to advance a false narrative to the court, which he described as potentially amounting to a criminal conspiracy. The judge wrote, “I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law.” He referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for further action.
Krasner, a Democrat and former civil rights attorney, issued a statement rejecting the judge’s findings. “I respectfully and vigorously disagree with the court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law,” he said. “I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the referral.
The case stems from Krasner’s Conviction Integrity Unit, which has faced criticism from opponents who argue it has undermined public safety by overturning convictions. Supporters, however, contend the unit corrects wrongful convictions and holds prosecutorial misconduct accountable. The judge’s referral marks an escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of Krasner’s office, which has been a focal point of political debate in Pennsylvania.
Diamond’s ruling does not constitute a criminal conviction but initiates a formal review process. The outcome of the federal investigation could have significant implications for Krasner’s career and the broader debate over criminal justice reform in Philadelphia.