The Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the former magazine columnist who accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. The investigation centers on whether Carroll committed perjury during testimony related to her civil lawsuits against Trump. These lawsuits include allegations of sexual abuse in the mid-1990s and defamation following Trump’s denials in 2019.

Funding Discrepancies

The probe focuses on Carroll’s 2022 deposition, where she stated she received no external funding for her lawsuit. It was later revealed that billionaire Reid Hoffman had contributed to her legal fees. This discrepancy has prompted federal prosecutors in Chicago to investigate, as Hoffman’s nonprofit is based there.

Carroll’s legal team has not commented on the investigation, and attempts to reach Hoffman were unsuccessful. The Justice Department has confirmed the investigation but declined to provide further details.

Legal and Political Implications

This investigation is part of the department’s broader efforts under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has been recused from this case due to prior involvement with Trump’s legal team. The investigation is being managed by other officials within the deputy attorney general’s office.

Carroll remains involved in multiple legal disputes with Trump, with juries awarding her substantial damages in previous cases. Trump’s appeals, including a $5 million sexual abuse judgment, are ongoing, with the Supreme Court yet to decide on hearing the appeals.

In a separate case, Trump unsuccessfully sought to involve the Justice Department as a defendant to claim immunity from liability, an argument dismissed by an appeals court for being raised too late.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.