DOJ weighs plan to slash public corruption unit

The Justice Department (DOJ) is weighing a sizable reduction in a division designed to handle public corruption cases, a move that comes after the department dropped charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

The Public Integrity Section is responsible for bringing high profile cases against public officials who are accused of accepting bribes or flouting election laws.

Prosecutors have been told they will be asked to take new assignments in the department while those cases would instead be assigned to U.S. attorney's offices across the country.

According to The Associated Press, as few as five lawyers may remain in the unit, a sharp decline for a section with about 30 attorneys.

A Justice Department official said the department “is taking a broad look at all its resources” but has yet to make a decision.

The Justice Department has seen a wave of resignations in the wake of the decision to drop charges against Adams, losing prosecutors both in the Southern District of New York as well as leaders of the Public Integrity Section. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ultimately appeared in court urging the dismissal of the case.

The section has several notable alumni, including former special counsel Jack Smith, who ran the office as it pursued cases against former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and former presidential and vice presidential candidate John Edwards (D).

The Associated Press contributed.