Judge Diamond refuses to recuse himself despite DA Krasner's bias accusations

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond issued an order refusing District Attorney Larry Krasner's bid to have the judge removed from a case concerning alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Diamond described Krasner's bias allegations as "frivolous" and "intemperate," and upheld his earlier decision to bar Krasner from participating in the underlying matter. The conflict arose after Diamond's memorandum indicated that Krasner and top supervisor Matthew Stiegler might have engaged in conspiracy, obstruction of justice, or perjury related to Dennis Johnson's 2009 murder conviction petition.

Diamond sent the issue to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential criminal review, though federal prosecutors have not commented. Krasner denied any wrongdoing and argued that Diamond, appointed by President George W. Bush, has consistently misinterpreted evidence and reached baseless conclusions. The broader case concerning Johnson's conviction remains pending.