Judge Disqualifies Philadelphia DA Over Possible Misconduct

A federal judge has removed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and a senior supervisor from an ongoing murder case, citing “possible criminal wrongdoing” and recommending a federal investigation, according to court documents.

This disqualification of Krasner and Matthew Stiegler, who heads the DA’s Conviction Integrity Unit, was issued on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond due to serious conflicts of interest and accusations of cover-ups related to a habeas corpus petition concerning a convicted murderer.

In a detailed memorandum, Diamond described potential criminal activities, hinting at perjury and obstruction.

The 40-page document highlighted that Stiegler’s testimony during court sessions was “contradictory, evasive, or outright dishonest,” marked by “material omissions and falsehoods” about the handling of the problematic habeas petition.

It was suggested that Stiegler attempted to shift blame onto former Assistant District Attorney Jaclyn Mason, presenting her as a “rogue actor” responsible for the case’s failures. However, other supervisors from the DA’s office testified in Mason’s favor. This led Diamond to suspect that Krasner might have pressured his team to fall in line with the scapegoating narrative, which appeared to substantiate allegations of potential obstruction and conspiracy.

“He thus sought to direct the very lawyers obligated by law to correct the Concession’s errors to do just the opposite,” Diamond remarked.

Diamond pointed out that the actions were aimed at concealing Krasner’s inadequate review of trial records before choosing to overturn the conviction of Dennis Johnson, who had been sentenced for second-degree murder, robbery, and a firearms offense back in 2009.

Johnson had requested a writ of habeas corpus, which would prompt a judicial review of the legality of his detention. Nevertheless, prior to assigning the case to Mason, Stiegler decided the office would concede to habeas relief without first investigating the trial records.

Instead, the DA’s office submitted a reply in 2022 that supported nullifying Johnson’s conviction, arguing that a significant witness’s identification was only hearsay—despite trial records clearly indicating that the witness had consistently identified Johnson, whom they had known for several years.

In 2026, when the case files were examined for an evidentiary hearing, inconsistencies were discovered, resulting in Stiegler and Krasner trying to direct blame at Mason.

“Mr. Krasner, aided by Stiegler, put the Law Division supervisors in an impossible situation that might jeopardize them professionally and may have violated the law,” Diamond concluded.

Reports had previously surfaced indicating that Krasner’s team had concealed criminal records of migrants receiving free legal assistance, opting to discard the relevant list altogether.

Krasner has been noted for advocating various lenient crime policies and has received significant campaign contributions from left-wing donor George Soros. Additionally, Krasner has made controversial comments, including suggesting that the White House’s ballroom should be blown up.

Krasner, Stiegler, and the DA’s office have been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for investigation, though the DA’s office itself remains assigned to the case.

As of now, Krasner’s office has not responded to requests for comment.