Department of Justice-Public Integrity Section

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The Public Integrity Section (PIN) is a specialized unit within the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), housed under the Criminal Division. It is responsible for overseeing the federal prosecution of criminal abuses of the public trust by government officials, particularly cases involving corruption at the federal, state, and local levels.

History

The Public Integrity Section was established in 1976 in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, as part of an effort to restore public confidence in government institutions. Its creation was intended to ensure a centralized, expert prosecutorial function focused on politically sensitive corruption cases that might otherwise be undermined by conflicts of interest at the local level.

Mission and Jurisdiction

PIN's mission is to enforce laws related to political corruption, including violations of federal statutes such as:

Although the Section has nationwide jurisdiction, it typically handles cases that present:

  • A significant federal interest
  • Complex legal or factual issues
  • Conflicts of interest for local U.S. Attorney's Offices

Organizational Structure

PIN is led by a Chief, who reports to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. The office is staffed by a team of career prosecutors with experience in white-collar crime, election law, and ethics investigations.

The Prior Directors:

  • Richard Pilger, 2010-2022
  • Robert Heberle, 2022-2025
  • Craig Donsanto
  • Raymond Hulser, 2015-2018

Key Functions

  • **Prosecution**: Directly handles corruption cases involving federal, state, and local officials, including members of Congress and judges.
  • **Oversight**: Monitors the handling of sensitive corruption cases throughout the DOJ to ensure integrity and uniform enforcement.
  • **Policy**: Provides guidance and training to federal prosecutors and investigators on issues related to public corruption.
  • **Ethics Enforcement**: Supervises the enforcement of criminal provisions of federal conflict-of-interest laws applicable to executive branch officials.

Notable Cases

The Public Integrity Section has been involved in a number of high-profile prosecutions, including:

  • The conviction (later overturned) of Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK)
  • The prosecution of former Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-LA), who was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption in 2009
  • The bribery investigation involving officials at the U.S. Navy in the "Fat Leonard" scandal
  • Cases arising from Operation Tennessee Waltz and Operation BOPTROT targeting corruption in state legislatures

Criticism and Oversight

PIN has faced criticism at times, particularly regarding its handling of the Ted Stevens prosecution, which was marred by prosecutorial misconduct. A 2009 internal DOJ review concluded that the Section had failed to disclose exculpatory evidence, leading to a dismissal of the charges.

These controversies prompted both internal reform and increased Congressional oversight over the Section’s operations and practices.

See Also

References

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