FEDERAL GRAND JURY SUBPOENAS REPORTEDLY ISSUED IN INVESTIGATION INVOLVING PHILADELPHIA DA LARRY KRASNER’S OFFICE PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office is facing federal scrutiny after a judge referred allegations of possible criminal misconduct to the U.S. Department of Justice. According to a report published October 20, federal grand jury subpoenas have been issued in connection with allegations involving possible obstruction of justice, perjury and conspiracy. The investigation reportedly stems from Krasner’s office’s handling of the murder conviction of Dennis Johnson, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of Kenyatta Smith during a botched robbery in 2007. In November 2022, Krasner’s office petitioned for Johnson’s release, arguing that he had received inadequate legal representation. However, in June 2026, prosecutors moved to withdraw that petition, citing “material misstatements” in the original filing. The controversy intensified after allegations emerged that Krasner and senior deputy Matthew Stiegler attempted to place responsibility for the disputed statements on former Assistant District Attorney Jaclyn Mason. Following testimony concerning the handling of the case, Judge Diamond referred the matter for possible federal investigation, writing that Philadelphia’s top prosecutor and one of his senior assistants may have violated the law. The reported federal inquiry is examining whether any criminal misconduct occurred during the proceedings. IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: A federal grand jury subpoena does not establish criminal wrongdoing, and the report does not indicate that Krasner or Stiegler has been criminally charged. It remains unclear whether either official personally received a subpoena. The allegations have not been proven in court.