WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department’s inspector basic has opened an investigation of the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts, prompted by U.S. Attorney Rachel Rollins’ look at a political fundraiser that includes first woman Jill Biden, The Associated Press has realized.
An investigation by the division’s inside watchdog focusing on one of many nation’s 93 U.S. attorneys — political appointees who’re among the highest-ranking federal legislation enforcement officers — is very uncommon. The ethics considerations surrounding Rollins threaten to undermine Attorney General Merrick Garland’s efforts to restore the Justice Department’s reputation for political independence after tumultuous years below Republican President Donald Trump.
The inspector basic’s workplace is specializing in Rollins’ attendance on the Democratic National Committee occasion in July in addition to her use of her private cellphone to conduct official enterprise, in response to two individuals briefed on the investigation, which has been underway for weeks.