Federal Prosecutors Face Repeated Setbacks Presenting Cases to Grand Juries

Federal prosecutors have encountered repeated difficulties persuading grand juries to issue indictments in recent months. Judges have also issued at least three formal rebukes for misconduct since November.

A federal judge in Chicago dismissed charges against four Democratic activists accused of impeding police at a protest outside an immigration detention facility last fall. The judge cited multiple procedural errors during the grand jury process. Prosecutors spoke with grand jurors outside the formal session, provided improper coaching about evidence strength, and removed panel members who had previously voted against charges.

They also attempted to redact transcripts before the court ordered full disclosure.

The difficulties represent a departure from prior norms in which grand juries typically approved prosecutorial requests. The cases involved standard criminal matters rather than high-profile political disputes. No specific administration officials are named in connection with the procedural problems.