Quick Hit:

J.P. Cooney, Jack Smith's top deputy, has been criticized for creating a politically toxic environment, spreading baseless conspiracy theories, and engaging in unprofessional conduct at the DOJ, according to a report.

Key Details:

• J.P. Cooney mentioned 394 times in the 85-page report by the Justice Department’s inspector general.
• Cooney led the team that recommended a harsh seven to nine-year sentence for Roger Stone.
• The inspector general's report highlights Cooney's dissemination of unfounded conspiracy theories about Trump and his appointees.

Diving Deeper:

In a recent op-ed, Mollie Hemingway of the Federalist highlights the findings of a Justice Department inspector general report that sharply criticizes J.P. Cooney, now serving as Special Counsel Jack Smith’s top deputy. The report, released on July 24, details Cooney's creation of a politically charged environment, his dissemination of baseless conspiracy theories, and his unprofessional conduct.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr was exonerated from accusations of improperly pressuring prosecutors in Roger Stone's sentencing. However, Cooney's conduct, as the “Fraud and Public Corruption Section Chief,” was heavily scrutinized. Cooney was mentioned 394 times in the report, indicating his significant involvement in the prosecution team that sought an unprecedented seven to nine-year sentence for Stone, far exceeding typical sentences for similar offenses.

Interim U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea, who reviewed the sentencing recommendation, expressed grave concerns, noting that the escalatory adjustments made by Cooney’s team were excessive and inconsistent with other cases. Shea highlighted that Stone was a first-time, nonviolent offender and that comparable cases typically resulted in two to three-year sentences.

Cooney responded to the pushback by spreading an unfounded conspiracy theory, claiming that Trump, Barr, and Shea were acting out of political motives. Cooney admitted to investigators that he had no evidence to support these claims but continued to spread them among his team. This led to an atmosphere of mistrust and further complicated the sentencing decision.

The inspector general's report condemned Cooney's behavior, stating that his "speculative comments" contributed to an atmosphere of mistrust and formed the basis for prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky's false testimony to the House Judiciary Committee in 2020. Zelinsky had claimed that political motives influenced the sentencing dispute, a claim the report attributes to Cooney's baseless conspiracy theories.

Cooney’s controversial actions extend beyond the Stone case. He was involved in the decision not to prosecute former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe for criminal leaks and lies, while aggressively prosecuting Trump ally Steve Bannon. Cooney’s selective enforcement has raised concerns about the impartiality of the Justice Department under his influence.

The inspector general's report underscores the partisan atmosphere Cooney cultivated within the DOJ and his role in disseminating false information to advance his political agenda. As Jack Smith’s top deputy, Cooney’s conduct raises significant questions about the integrity of ongoing investigations involving former President Trump and his associates.