Justice Department Probes E. Jean Carroll Over Perjury
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Washington: The U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation on May 27 into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s, focusing on whether she committed perjury in deposition testimony tied to two civil lawsuits she won against Trump. Investigators are examining a 2022 deposition where Carroll stated she received no outside funding.
Washington: The probe is reportedly led by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago and was first reported by CNN this week; Attorney General Todd Blanche has recused himself from related matters, and media outlets have reported that investor Reid Hoffman paid some of Carroll's legal fees. The DOJ cautioned that an investigation may not result in charges, and legal teams will likely respond in coming days.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 1996: Carroll alleges sexual assault in a Manhattan department store.
- 2. 2019: Carroll publicly accuses Donald Trump in her memoir and media interviews.
- 3. 2022: Carroll gave a deposition stating she received no outside funding for her lawsuit.
- 4. May 2023: A federal jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages related to sexual assault and defamation.
- 5. May 27: DOJ launches criminal investigation into whether Carroll committed perjury related to depositions.
Why it matters
This case could set a precedent for how sexual assault allegations are handled, especially when high-profile figures are involved. It's a reminder to always be truthful in legal proceedings. If you're ever involved in a lawsuit, remember that perjury can lead to criminal charges.
Sources
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