Justice Department ended probe into commutation of convicted fraudster

Career prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York opened an investigation into the circumstances of David Gentile’s commutation several months after the grant took effect. Gentile, a private equity executive, had been convicted in a $1.6 billion scheme that defrauded thousands of investors and was serving a seven-year sentence when the clemency freed him last November and eliminated more than $15.5 million in potential forfeiture.

Investigators collected information about jailhouse communications in which Gentile discussed payments of $2.5 million or more to facilitate the commutation. One person examined during the inquiry was the Rev. Frank Mann, a retired New York City priest who corresponded with Gentile about contacting President Trump on his behalf.

Mann has denied any involvement in the clemency.

Investigation halted after media inquiry By May the inquiry had been closed after The New York Times asked the White House and the Eastern District U.S. attorney’s office about the matter. Associate Deputy Attorney General Aakash Singh spoke by phone with U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.

and expressed concern about the investigation, according to people familiar with the call. Career prosecutors were then told to abandon the effort. A Justice Department spokesperson said prosecutors work within enforcement priorities to hold bad actors accountable and ensure efficient use of resources.

It remains unclear how far the investigation advanced or whether any charges would have resulted.