# Investigation referral for Philadelphia District Attorney > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-referral-for-philadelphia-district-attorney > Updated: 2026-09-17T15:53:32.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Assistant DA (or Conviction Integrity Unit chief) Matthew Stiegler to the U.S. Department of Justice for potential criminal investigation. The referral stems from evidentiary hearings regarding the handling of a post-conviction case for Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to overturn a 2009 murder conviction. While the District Attorney’s office previously opposed Johnson’s bids, Krasner’s administration reversed its stance in 2022. Judge Diamond disqualified both Krasner and Stiegler from the case, citing evidence that the officials may have engaged in perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. The judge noted allegations that the office appeared to be “hunting for reasons to ‘concede’ the case” and may have pressured staff to provide false information or create false narratives for the court. Krasner has disagreed with the findings and expressed intent to appeal. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner referred for criminal investigation A federal judge has referred Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and a senior deputy for a possible criminal investigation, alleging they misled the court and obstructed justice regarding a murder conviction case. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-referred-for-criminal-investigation ### 2026-09-15: Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner referred to DOJ for criminal investigation A federal judge has referred Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and his deputy to the DOJ for investigation into potential perjury and obstruction of justice regarding a murder conviction appeal. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-referred-for-federal-criminal-investigation --- Cite as: Investigation referral for Philadelphia District Attorney. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-referral-for-philadelphia-district-attorney