Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), a prominent member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has initiated an investigation into Ed Martin. Martin holds dual roles as a pardon lawyer and the head of the newly formed weaponization working group.
Durbin referenced Martin’s “disgraced tenure” in his previous position, pointing to “the reported threat of misuse of his role at the DOJ” as the basis for launching the inquiry.
A letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondy requests all communications from Martin related to both the pardoning process and his responsibilities within the new working group.
“In light of his dishonorable tenure as an interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, it seems Martin intends to perpetuate misconduct in his new position at the DOJ,” he stated.
Durbin highlighted a press conference that took place on May 13, just prior to Martin assuming his new role, where Martin reportedly claimed, “The DOJ has no evidence to bring charges.”
“If they’re not being charged, we’ll name them…and in a culture that values accountability, they should be held embarrassed,” Martin commented.
Durbin characterized the statement as a clear indication of Martin’s intention to misuse his authority.
“These remarks signify a blatant acknowledgment that Martin intends to systematically breach the prohibition on extrajudicial comments outlined in the Judicial Manual by embarrassing non-claimants for overtly partisan reasons,” wrote Durbin.
“This approach evidently contravenes Mr. Martin’s responsibilities under D.C.’s occupational conduct rules that restrict prosecutors from making extrajudicial statements that could compromise the reputation of the accused. Such weaponization of the DOJ risks irreparably damaging public trust in the sector.”
Durbin also questioned Martin’s oversight regarding a series of pardons granted by Trump that appeared to favor his political allies.
One example cited was the recent pardon for Paul Walzak, a senior care home executive convicted of tax fraud, which occurred just three weeks after Walzak’s mother contributed $1 million to Trump’s fundraiser.
Additionally, Trump pardoned Trevor Milton, founder of Nicola Corporation, after he donated nearly $2 million to last year’s Trump campaign.
“Martin’s alleged ‘Pay to Play’ strategy exploits the office of pardon lawyers to advantagely support President Trump and his political associates,” Durbin remarked.
Martin also intends to evaluate pardons granted by former President Biden, including those involving family members.
The DOJ did not reply to requests for comment.
Source: thehill.com