politics
Justice Department Expands South Florida Team in Trump Civil Rights Inquiry
The Justice Department is adding prosecutors to a new Criminal Civil Rights Section in the Southern District of Florida. The section is examining whether actions by officials in prior administrations violated President Trump's civil rights.
May 22, 5:00 AM·1m read1 source
Washington ExaminerAudio version
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The new section is led by Joseph diGenova, who serves as counselor to the attorney general. U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones stated Tuesday that diGenova has assembled a team of 12 prosecutors and held an in-person meeting with half the team at the federal courthouse in Fort Pierce.
The inquiry has operated out of the Southern District of Florida since January, when a federal grand jury was convened in Miami. Former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page have been subpoenaed, according to media reports.
The new section was carved out from the office's existing public corruption section. Its mandate covers hate crimes, official misconduct, human trafficking, threats, and other constitutional rights offenses, according to a DOJ press release issued Monday.
Sean M. Lewis was sworn in Monday as an assistant U.S. attorney assigned to the unit. Lewis previously prosecuted cases in Washington and Michigan, including the case against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
