Department of Justice Statement on Vaughn Trials

The Department of Justice on Friday released the following statement regarding updates in the Vaughn trials:

Prosecutors have an obligation only to prosecute criminal cases where they believe there is a reasonable likelihood of a conviction at trial based on the evidence. Prosecutors in the Vaughn trials – who are among the Department’s most experienced and who have done a remarkable job in an exceedingly difficult case – have evaluated the evidence against the remaining defendants in light of the testimony in the first two trials and the results of those trials. Prosecutors have notified the Court that the State will only continue forward with charges against Roman Shankaras, Lawrence Michaels, Alejandro Rodriguez-Ortiz, with Shankaras scheduled to be tried in April and Michaels and Rodriguez-Ortiz in October.

Obtaining a measure of justice for victims is of paramount importance in all prosecution decisions. This was discussed with the victims in the case and they were informed of the decision. Due to the still-pending criminal cases, DOJ will make no additional statement on this decision.