DOJ Issues Grand Jury Subpoenas to Philadelphia DA Krasner After Judge Referral

The Justice Department has dispatched grand jury subpoenas to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office led by Larry Krasner. The subpoenas relate to a federal judge’s referral of Krasner and his deputy Matthew Stiegler for a possible obstruction of justice investigation, based on evidence uncovered in the 2009 murder conviction of Dennis Johnson for killing Kenyatta Smith. Judge Paul Diamond alleged that the officials may have pressured prosecutors to present a false narrative and warned staff of "consequences" if they alerted the court to internal conflicts.

While the judge disqualified both Krasner and Stiegler from the specific case, he did not remove the entire DA's office. Neither has been charged, and Krasner has said he will appeal the judge's findings. The DOJ declined comment, and Krasner's office has not responded.