In a significant development, three senior federal prosecutors have resigned following the Justice Department’s controversial decision to drop the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced her resignation just three days after being instructed by Justice Department executives to halt the criminal investigation into Adams.
Sassoon, known for her role in prosecuting high-profile cases including that of Sam Bankman-Fried, had been appointed interim U.S. attorney by the previous administration just last month.
Emil Bove, the acting deputy at the Justice Department, accepted Sassoon’s resignation. He also placed three assistant U.S. attorneys involved in the case on administrative leave while an investigation into their conduct is conducted, according to a letter from Bove.
Bove criticized Sassoon and her team for allegedly losing sight of their judicial responsibilities, emphasizing that their interpretation of the law must align with the policies of elected officials.
Among those placed on leave is Hagan Scotten, a Bronze Star recipient and Harvard Law graduate known for his prior role clerking for Chief Justice John Roberts.
Additionally, John Keller, the acting head of the Public Integrity Section, and Kevin Driscoll, a senior Justice Department official, also resigned Thursday after being asked to lead the Adams case.
Mayor Adams faced corruption charges last year, with a trial set to begin in April. However, a recent Justice Department memo requested that the federal charges against him be set aside “without prejudice.” Adams has consistently maintained his innocence.
His legal team has accused the prosecutors of mishandling the case, claiming that sensitive information was leaked to the media. The original indictment indicated that Adams allegedly exploited his positions to gather “illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel.”
A former senior Justice Department official, who spoke anonymously, expressed alarm at the fallout from the Adams case, describing the situation as unprecedented.
