Federal Judge Refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner for Possible Criminal Investigation

<p>A federal judge referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and top deputy Matthew Stiegler to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 16, 2026, for possible criminal investigation.</p><p>U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond stated that evidence uncovered in a murder conviction case could indicate false statements, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy.</p><p>Neither Krasner nor Stiegler has been charged with any crime.</p><p>Judge Diamond disqualified Krasner and Stiegler from the case but did not disqualify the entire DA's office.</p><p>The judge alleged that Krasner and Stiegler attempted to pressure prosecutors into presenting a false narrative to the court and that Krasner warned of "consequences" if staff alerted the court to an internal conflict.</p><p>"I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law," Diamond wrote.</p><p>The case involves Dennis Johnson, who was convicted in 2009 of killing Kenyatta Smith. The DA’s office stated in a 2022 filing that Johnson was entitled to habeas relief due to ineffective assistance of counsel, according to The Associated Press.</p><p>Prosecutors later raised potential conflicts involving Stiegler and recommended that the matter be referred to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.</p><p>Krasner opposed this move, asserting that someone from his office needed to remain involved to "protect the office."</p><p>"I respectfully and vigorously disagree with the court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law," Krasner said in a statement. "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."</p><p>The DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment.</p>