Krasner's Office Engaged in Prosecutorial Misconduct Reflecting Ideological Bias in Habeas Case
Source: Chris Bray. "Soros-Backed Philadelphia DA Referred For Criminal Investigation." September 16, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The article argues that Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and his deputy lied to a federal court and improperly helped a convicted murderer try to get released, and that this happened because Krasner's office is ideologically biased against prosecution. The author frames this as proof that 'Soros-backed' prosecutors are dishonest and hostile to law enforcement institutions, pointing to Krasner allegedly calling Republican attorneys 'Nazis' as evidence of this bias.
Conclusion
Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and his deputy Matthew Stiegler engaged in dishonest, ideologically-motivated misconduct in handling a murder case, justifying the federal court's referral for criminal investigation.
Premises
- A federal judge found evidence of false statements, false declarations under oath, perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy in Krasner's office's handling of the Dennis Johnson habeas corpus case.
- Krasner's office conceded a convicted murderer's claims for release without conducting independent investigation.
- Four prosecutors in Krasner's office later moved to withdraw that concession, citing 'material misstatements.'
- The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office intervened, alleging Philadelphia prosecutors made significantly misleading statements to the court.
- Judge Diamond found deputy Matthew Stiegler's testimony 'often contradictory, evasive, or outright dishonest.'
- Stiegler, with a background as a public defender and ACLU attorney, effectively partnered with the defense rather than acting as a neutral prosecutor, instructing a subordinate not to conduct her own research and deferring to the Innocence Project's judgment.
- When the case was at risk of being reassigned to the Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, Krasner repeatedly referred to that office as 'Nazis,' reflecting ideological hostility rather than professional conduct.
- Krasner has a documented history of scandal and accusations of misleading courts in prior high-profile cases.
Assumptions
- Krasner's ideological background (backed by George Soros, described as 'woke') is causally linked to the alleged misconduct rather than being incidental.
- The federal judge's findings and characterizations are accurate and impartial.
- Stiegler's prior defense-side career necessarily biased his prosecutorial judgment.
- The single instance of the Johnson case is representative of a broader pattern of misconduct by Krasner's office, given his 'long history of scandal.'
- Judges appointed to review such matters (like Diamond) are objective arbiters whose characterizations should be taken as established fact rather than one side's legal conclusion in an ongoing, appealable matter.