Justice Department launches civil rights probe into prosecutor in Virginia
The inquiry will review whether Descano’s office gave undocumented immigrants preferential treatment in criminal cases, with federal officials citing possible civil rights violations.
- On Wednesday, the Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano, examining whether his office engaged in unlawful discrimination by allegedly offering preferential treatment to illegal immigrants in criminal cases.
- Federal officials are scrutinizing a policy Descano adopted in December 2020 that instructs prosecutors to consider "collateral immigration consequences" when making charging and plea decisions, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Safe Streets Act.
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated the probe aims to determine if the prosecutor is "picking and choosing winners" based on immigration status. Dhillon noted the inquiry will uncover if the office is offering "sweetheart deals" to non-citizens charged with serious offenses.
- Representatives from the Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation and Federal Coordination sections are expected to meet with Fairfax officials shortly to review case files and office records. The Department of Justice emphasized the investigation is in its early stages with no conclusions reached.
15 Articles
15 Articles
DOJ Launches Investigation of Va. Atty. Descano’s Preferential Treatment of Criminal Illegals
Infamous for his soft-on-illegal-immigrant-crime policies, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano is now under federal investigation for suspected discriminatory treatment of cases, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday.
DOJ Launches Investigation Into County Attorney For Allegedly Giving Preferential Treatment To Criminal Illegals
DOJ announced an investigation Wednesday into the sentencing policies of Fairfax County, Virginia’s Commonwealth’s attorney, the department said.
Fed Heat: DOJ Targets Virginia Prosecutor Over 'Sweetheart Deals' For Illegal Defendants - Tampa Free Press
The U.S. Justice Department officially launched a federal investigation Wednesday into Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, looking into allegations that his office provides preferential treatment to illegal immigrants while discriminating against U.S. citizens. The probe, spearheaded by the Civil Rights Division, focuses on how Descano’s team handles plea bargains, charging decisions, and sentencing. Federal […] Fed Heat: DOJ T…
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