DOJ Opens Criminal Probe Into Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and issued grand jury subpoenas as federal authorities examine potential obstruction of justice, according to two sources familiar with the inquiry cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer on October 20, 2026. The investigation follows U.S.

District Judge Paul S. Diamond's referral concerning District Attorney Larry Krasner and his top deputy, Matthew Stiegler, over their handling of a post-conviction murder case.

The subpoenas were issued in recent days, according to the sources. One sought documents and emails related to the underlying case, while the request was broadly directed at the district attorney's office rather than specifically at potential witnesses or targets. The Justice Department has not publicly confirmed the investigation, and no charges have been announced against Krasner or Stiegler.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia declined to comment on whether it was involved in the inquiry, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Justice Department spokespeople in Washington also declined to comment.

Diamond removed Krasner and Stiegler from involvement in the case of Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to overturn his 2009 second-degree murder conviction. In his ruling, the judge found that their conduct raised concerns about potential criminal violations, including perjury, obstruction of justice, false statements and conspiracy.

The judge described the evidence in the court record as credible evidence of conduct that could violate federal law. His findings drew on testimony from supervisors and attorneys within the district attorney's office who raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the handling of court filings.

The dispute stems from Johnson's conviction for the 2007 murder of Kenyatta Smith. A Philadelphia jury found Johnson guilty of second-degree murder, robbery and a firearms offense in 2009. During subsequent post-conviction proceedings, Krasner's office initially supported overturning the conviction before prosecutors sought to change their position after discovering errors in a brief submitted on Johnson's behalf.

During hearings this summer, prosecutors alleged that Krasner sought to assign responsibility for the filing errors to a junior attorney and discouraged efforts to refer the matter to outside authorities. Witnesses also described disagreements over how the office should investigate the mistakes and respond to the judge's questions.

Several attorneys subsequently resigned or withdrew from the case, citing concerns about professional pressure and responsibility for the errors, according to testimony and court records. Diamond concluded that Krasner and Stiegler had significant personal and professional conflicts that warranted their removal, but he allowed the remainder of the district attorney's office to continue handling Johnson's case under new supervision.

Krasner rejected the judge's findings and said he intended to challenge the ruling through the courts.

"I respectfully and vigorously disagree with the court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law. I look forward to appealing to the higher court as soon as the law allows. This remains a pending matter, which limits for now my and my office’s ability to respond in the media," Krasner said in a statement.

In a separate response to questions about the potential grand jury investigation, Krasner emphasized that such proceedings are confidential under the law.

"I follow the rules," Krasner said.

Krasner has also challenged Diamond's interpretation of the events and accused the judge of drawing unfair conclusions about his office. In court filings, he described Diamond as a "ringmaster" overseeing a "circus" and characterized some of the judge's interpretations as "Orwellian."

Diamond has defended his conduct and rejected Krasner's request that he withdraw from the case. The judge's referral raised the possibility of criminal violations but did not establish that Krasner or anyone else had committed a crime.

Krasner, a progressive Democrat who has publicly criticized President Donald Trump's administration, also argued in court documents that his political opposition could make him a target of federal authorities. He specifically referred to Attorney General Todd Blanche and the administration's treatment of political opponents.

"Under AG Blanche and his predecessor, the DOJ has repeatedly functioned as an attack arm for people the President perceives as enemies," Krasner wrote. "The President, his spokesperson, and Blanche himself have all made statements that identify DA Krasner, in their view, as the President’s enemy."

Krasner has denied wrongdoing and disputed allegations that he improperly handled the Johnson case. He also criticized prosecutors who testified against him, arguing that some had acted insubordinately and were legally incorrect in their disagreements with his decisions.

In his court filings, Krasner maintained that the judge's assessment lacked a sound factual basis.

"rests on nothing of substance," Krasner said in describing Diamond's analysis.

The investigation remains separate from the ongoing court proceedings concerning Johnson's conviction. The issuance of grand jury subpoenas does not mean prosecutors will file criminal charges, and the Justice Department has not announced a charging decision.