The U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into writer E. Jean Carroll on May 27, 2024 [1].
This probe marks a significant escalation in the legal battles between Carroll and former President Donald Trump. While Carroll previously won civil judgments against Trump for sexual abuse and defamation, this criminal inquiry shifts the focus toward the legality of her own testimony.
According to reports, the investigation is designed to determine whether Carroll committed perjury during her civil lawsuits against the former president [2, 3]. Perjury occurs when a witness intentionally provides false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding. The DOJ is reportedly examining specific claims made by Carroll to assess if they were intentionally misleading [4].
Federal officials have remained tight-lipped about the specific evidence triggering the probe. However, a Department of Justice spokesperson addressed inquiries regarding the investigation's status. "We can confirm that no U.S. Attorney’s Office has declined to investigate any case relating to the subject matter of CNN’s inquiry," the spokesperson said [5].
The investigation follows years of high-profile litigation in which Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault. Those civil proceedings resulted in substantial financial awards for Carroll, but the current criminal probe focuses on the veracity of the statements used to secure those wins [2, 4].
Legal experts note that criminal perjury charges are difficult to prove, as prosecutors must demonstrate that the defendant knowingly lied about a material fact. The DOJ's decision to open a formal investigation indicates that federal prosecutors believe there is sufficient cause to review the trial records [3].
Carroll has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the criminal probe. The investigation is currently centered in Washington, D.C., where the Department of Justice oversees federal prosecutorial priorities [6].
“The investigation will focus on whether Carroll committed perjury in her civil lawsuits.”
This investigation represents a pivot from civil liability to criminal accountability. While civil courts determine a preponderance of evidence to award damages, a criminal perjury charge requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. If the DOJ finds evidence of intentional falsehoods, it could jeopardize the legitimacy of Carroll's previous legal victories and potentially lead to criminal indictments.
