Durbin Fires Judiciary Counsel Sheri Mecklenberg After 6-Defendant Broadview Case Collapses
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · May 22
Durbin Fires Judiciary Counsel Sheri Mecklenberg After 6-Defendant Broadview Case Collapses
7 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 22
Durbin terminated Sheri Mecklenberg’s DOJ detail to the Senate Judiciary Committee after a judge and prosecutors exposed misconduct in the Broadview Six prosecution.
All charges against the six defendants were dismissed Thursday after U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros cited improper grand jury handling, including prosecutorial vouching and the removal of jurors who disagreed with the case.
A closed-door hearing transcript showed Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Skiba blaming Mecklenberg, a 20-plus-year veteran, for conduct he said was at least arguably misconduct.
Defense lawyers now plan to seek sanctions and possible compensation, while Judge April Perry said they may be entitled to a hearing on whether the case amounted to vindictive prosecution.
After a prosecutor is fired for misconduct, what systemic changes can truly prevent future abuses of power in the justice system?
How will a new DOJ fund determine who is a true victim of 'weaponized' prosecution versus a duly charged defendant?