Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, along with fellow Senate Judiciary Democrats, has filed a professional misconduct complaint against Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin. The complaint was submitted to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, which addresses complaints against lawyers barred in D.C.

The Senators' letter highlights multiple alleged abuses by Martin, including dismissing charges against his own client and using prosecution threats to intimidate government employees and suppress private citizens' speech. They cite instances where Martin failed to recuse himself from cases involving former clients linked to the January 6th insurrection.

In their statement, the Senators mention that "Mr. Martin appeared as defense counsel in cases related to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol." They note an incident on January 21, 2025, when Martin filed a motion to dismiss several charges against Joseph Padilla despite prior convictions. Similarly, they reference his involvement with another defendant, William Chrestman.

The complaint further alleges that since becoming Interim U.S. Attorney, Martin engaged in conduct violating Rule 8.4(d) and Rule 3.8's responsibilities for prosecutors by making extrajudicial statements intended to intimidate and chill free speech.

Concluding their letter, the Senators express concerns about Martin's actions undermining Department of Justice independence and public confidence in the justice system. They urge an investigation into these serious violations of professional conduct.

Joining Durbin in signing the letter are U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Coons, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, Cory Booker, Alex Padilla, Peter Welch, and Adam Schiff.