DOJ Investigates Minnesota’s Race-Based Plea Deal Policy

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a civil rights investigation into the practices of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCOA) in Minnesota. This inquiry focuses on a controversial directive that encourages prosecutors to consider the race of defendants when negotiating plea deals.

Details of the DOJ’s Inquiry

In a communication dated May 2, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon informed Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty of their concerns. They expressed that the investigation would determine if her office has systematically violated constitutional rights by incorporating racial considerations into legal decisions.

The trigger for this federal scrutiny is Moriarty’s “Negotiations Policy for Cases Involving Adult Defendants,” which explicitly advises that “racial identity… should be part of the overall analysis.” This policy has sparked significant controversy, suggesting a potential bias in legal proceedings based on race.

Controversial Leadership and Policies

Mary Moriarty, who has received substantial backing from leftist financier George Soros, has been a polarizing figure, especially noted by Breitbart News. Her office, which governs over Minneapolis, has been criticized for its progressive and often contentious policies. An example of such controversy arose in April when Moriarty chose not to charge a state employee who confessed to vandalizing multiple Tesla vehicles in a politically charged act.

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The DOJ’s letter, also signed by Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle, emphasized the focus on “illegal consideration of race in prosecutorial decision-making” within the HCOA. The letter reassured that no conclusions had been pre-determined and expressed openness to cooperation from Moriarty’s office to uncover relevant facts.

Broader Implications and Public Response

Moriarty’s election is part of a broader trend of progressive district attorneys gaining power following the societal upheavals after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. These DAs, often supported by Soros-linked entities, have faced intense scrutiny and opposition for their lenient approaches to violent crimes and preference for diversion programs over incarceration.

This approach has led to recall efforts and electoral challenges for several DAs, including Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, who was defeated by former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, as reported by Fox News.

The DOJ’s investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office underscores a growing concern over the influence of racial politics in legal processes and the potential erosion of justice standards under progressive leadership.