Someone involved in Jack Smith's legal cases against former President Donald Trump reported "possible misconduct. " However, an investigation into this matter has been paused for over a year because Smith claimed that it would interfere with his investigations of Trump. With Trump now elected president again, Congress is pushing to restart the review.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan disclosed these findings, mentioning that the Department of Justice recently updated the committee about an internal investigation into Smith's actions. Jordan expressed frustration with what appears to be an effort to prevent Congress from accessing necessary information. He wrote to Jeffrey Ragsdale, a counsel for the Office of Professional Responsibility, demanding documents related to allegations that Smith and his team "lied to a federal court, manipulated evidence" during the investigation into Trump, and improperly pressured a lawyer related to an indictment.
Additionally, claims surfaced that J. P. Cooney, a member of Smith's team, attempted to impose an "unprecedented" and "excessive" prison sentence on a defendant before spreading false conspiracy theories when his superiors rejected his suggestion. This situation has been on hold because Smith insisted any details on misconduct within his staff would have implications for ongoing legal actions against Trump.
Jordan remarked that the review was only permitted because it would no longer interfere with Smith's investigation and prosecution, labeling it "absurd" that accountability would only be sought after Smith approved it without the usual process. He voiced concerns that these attorneys might avoid accountability by leaving the Department of Justice.
The nature of the alleged misconduct is currently unknown, but it is common for attorneys to report allegations against them to the DOJ's personnel office if they learn of them from media or other sources. Jordan has been attempting to obtain records regarding various ethics allegations against Smith and his team since earlier this year, including one involving Jay Bratt, who allegedly behaved inappropriately in front of a lawyer representing one of Trump’s co-defendants.
Overall, Congress is actively seeking more information about these allegations against Jack Smith and his team as part of their oversight responsibilities.
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