DOJ Subpoenas Philadelphia DA Office

Federal investigators are looking into potential obstruction of justice claims regarding the office's handling of court cases.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Criminal Justice

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The U.S. Department of Justice has issued grand jury subpoenas to the Philadelphia District Attorney's office. This action follows a federal judge's referral of District Attorney Larry Krasner and his deputy, Matthew Stiegler, for a potential criminal investigation.

Why it matters

The referral stems from judicial allegations that evidence in the 2009 murder conviction case of Dennis Johnson may involve perjury, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. A federal judge previously disqualified the two officials from participating in that case.

No criminal charges have been filed against District Attorney Larry Krasner or deputy Matthew Stiegler. The investigation follows a formal referral by U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond.

The players

Larry Krasner

Larry Krasner is the District Attorney of Philadelphia who has been referred to the Department of Justice for a potential investigation.

Matthew Stiegler

Matthew Stiegler is a deputy in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office who was disqualified from the Dennis Johnson murder case.

Paul Diamond

Paul Diamond is a U.S. District Judge who alleged evidence of criminal wrongdoing and referred the case to federal authorities.

Dennis Johnson

Dennis Johnson is the individual whose 2009 murder conviction is at the center of the dispute involving the District Attorney's office.

The details

Judge Paul Diamond initiated the referral after concluding that actions taken by the District Attorney's office during habeas proceedings could constitute criminal wrongdoing. The office has been under scrutiny for its conduct in the murder case of Dennis Johnson, who was convicted of killing Kenyatta Smith in 2009.

Dennis Johnson was convicted of killing Kenyatta Smith in 2009.
The District Attorney's office filed for habeas relief in 2022.
Judge Diamond referred Krasner and Stiegler to the DOJ in September 2026.
The Justice Department issued grand jury subpoenas in October 2026.

Legal Context

The scrutiny reflects broader tensions between federal judicial oversight and local district attorney offices regarding the handling of long-standing murder convictions. Similar disputes over prosecutorial ethics have increasingly led to federal intervention in local criminal justice proceedings.

The federal investigation may impact the day-to-day operations of the District Attorney's office as they navigate the inquiry. Residents should expect continued court activity surrounding the underlying murder case as the legal process unfolds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant power federal judges hold in monitoring local prosecutorial conduct. Legal observers are watching to see if the subpoenas lead to formal charges or if the office maintains its current trajectory.