2025 Investigative Summary 2

Investigation of Alleged Failure to Comply with Department and USAO Policies

A U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) reported to OPR that an AUSA submitted plea agreements, stipulations, or motions seeking downward sentencing departures under § 5K1.1 of the U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual (5K motions) without obtaining the necessary supervisory approval.  OPR conducted an investigation and concluded that the AUSA knowingly and intentionally violated Department and USAO policies by entering into plea agreements and filing 5K motions without supervisory approval.  OPR also concluded that the AUSA knowingly and intentionally violated Department and USAO policies by stipulating to facts in plea agreements that did not accurately represent defendants’ full conduct.  Finally, OPR concluded that the AUSA engaged in knowing and intentional professional misconduct by failing to abide by her client’s directives and failing to consult with her supervisors in violation of the rules of professional conduct.  OPR referred its findings to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit.