Federal judge refers Philadelphia DA Krasner to DOJ for criminal investigation
Federal judge refers Philadelphia DA Krasner to DOJ over potential legal violations in murder case.
Event / Politics
Philadelphia DA Criminal Investigation
Federal judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Deputy Matthew Stiegler to the DOJ for criminal investigation based on conduct in a murder conviction case, finding potential violations including perjury and obstruction of justice related to efforts to overturn a 2009 conviction.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
1 articles0 articles
2026-09-17 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Sept, 03:08 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Philadelphia DA Krasner disputes judge's findings and announces appeal
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a statement declaring he respectfully and vigorously disagrees with Judge Diamond's findings. Krasner stated he looks forward to appealing to a higher court as soon as the law allows and noted that the pending matter limits his and his office's ability to respond publicly.
Federal judge refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to DOJ for criminal investigation
U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and top deputy Matthew Stiegler to the Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation. The referral came after evidence in a murder conviction case allegedly showed false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. Judge Diamond disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the case but declined to disqualify the entire DA's office.
Judge finds Philadelphia DA may have violated law in 2009 murder conviction case
Judge Paul Diamond found that Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Stiegler may have violated the law while attempting to overturn a 2009 murder conviction. Court documents show staff who raised conflict of interest concerns about Stiegler were warned they could face consequences. The case involved Jerome Johnson, convicted in 2009 for second-degree murder in the killing of Kenyatta Smith during a botched robbery. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison. In 2022, Krasner's office petitioned for Johnson's release, arguing he received ineffective legal representation at trial.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives