An eighth Justice Department attorney has resigned in the midst of the ongoing repercussions surrounding the endeavor to dismiss the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The attorney, Ryan Crosswell, who worked with the department’s Public Integrity Section, known for handling corruption cases, submitted his resignation letter following a directive from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove.
In his resignation letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Crosswell expressed his dismay at the situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and protecting citizens. He highlighted a meeting with Bove where prosecutors were instructed to find a career prosecutor to file a dismissal motion, with implications of professional consequences if not complied with.
Crosswell criticized the move, stating that it compromised core prosecutorial principles and questioned the legitimacy of the motion, which he claimed was not grounded in facts or law. Despite the pressure, two career prosecutors eventually agreed to sign the motion, potentially safeguarding the positions of others within the Public Integrity unit.
Looking ahead, a hearing is scheduled in New York to address the request to drop the case, with Bove, who endorsed the dismissal request, expected to be present. The developments underscore the tensions within the Justice Department and the challenges faced by public servants striving to uphold the rule of law.
