Judge Ousts Prosecutor, Demands US Attorney Leaders Testify
Vexed by the Justice Department’s oversight of federal prosecutions in New Jersey, a judge ordered the three officials leading the state’s U.S. Attorney’s office to testify under oath. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi expressed deep frustration with the office’s management structure and a “sloppy investigation” that compromised a child sexual abuse material case. The judge questioned whether former interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba retained any influence, dismissing a prosecutor’s assurances and casting doubt on the government’s representations. This intervention stems from a previous ruling deeming the appointment of these officials unconstitutional without Senate confirmation.
John Q. Hosedrinker