A federal judge in Philadelphia on Thursday formally referred District Attorney Larry Krasner to the U.S. Department of Justice for a criminal investigation. The referral moves the matter from local oversight to federal authorities, signaling that the judge believes the Department of Justice should assess any potential criminal conduct involving the city’s top prosecutor.
Larry Krasner, who was elected as Philadelphia's district attorney, now faces a review by the DOJ following the judge's decision. The judge did not disclose specific allegations in the filing, but the referral itself indicates that the federal court sees sufficient cause for the Justice Department to consider opening an investigation.
Under federal law, the Department of Justice has the authority to initiate criminal probes when evidence suggests violations of federal statutes. The referral does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing; rather, it places the case under the jurisdiction of the DOJ, which will determine whether to pursue formal charges or further inquiry. The process typically involves the DOJ's internal review, potential involvement of special counsel, and coordination with any relevant federal law‑enforcement agencies.
Krasner has served as Philadelphia's elected district attorney, overseeing prosecutions and legal policy for the city. His tenure has included a range of initiatives and reforms, though the current referral focuses solely on the judge's determination that the DOJ should examine possible criminal conduct. The district attorney's office has not released a statement regarding the referral, and no public comment has been made by the Department of Justice as of the filing date.
The referral adds a new layer to the legal landscape in Philadelphia, bringing federal oversight to a case that originated at the municipal level. As the DOJ reviews the matter, the outcome will depend on its assessment of the evidence and any subsequent investigative steps it chooses to take.