A federal prosecutor's contentious dismissal from his position at the Justice Department has sparked debate over his handling of a high-profile fraud case and his previous political activities.
According to Just The News, Adam Schleifer, who was fired from his role as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles on March 28, is now facing questions about his management of the FAT Brands fraud case while seeking reinstatement to his position.
The termination came shortly after right-wing activist Laura Loomer called for Schleifer's removal, citing his past critical statements about Trump and his role in prosecuting Trump donor Andrew Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands. President Trump denied Loomer's involvement in the firing decision, though he praised her as a "great patriot."
The DOJ charged Wiederhorn in May 2024 with orchestrating a scheme involving approximately $47 million in distributions that were allegedly miscategorized as shareholder loans. Wiederhorn maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Judge Gary Klausner recently ruled against prosecutors' attempts to access documents they claimed were relevant to the case, citing the DOJ's failure to properly meet and confer with the defense team. The decision marked a significant setback for the prosecution led by Schleifer.
Defense attorneys have persistently argued that the charges against Wiederhorn are baseless, emphasizing that their client followed professional advice in all business dealings.
During his unsuccessful 2020 congressional campaign, Schleifer spent over $4 million promoting strongly anti-Trump messages and progressive policies. His campaign advertisements frequently criticized Trump's leadership and advocated for various left-wing positions.
Schleifer's public statements included calls for Trump's conviction during the first impeachment trial and support for abolishing the Electoral College. He also backed Black Lives Matter protests and pushed for comprehensive immigration reform.
The prosecutor's wealth and family connections have drawn attention, particularly his father's position as CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which is currently facing its own DOJ investigation over Medicare reimbursement rates.
The weapons charge against Wiederhorn has become another point of contention, with defense lawyers successfully arguing for a trial delay from July 2025 to January 2026. They assert the gun charge emerged from improper DOJ conduct during the fraud case search.
Court filings reveal disputes over the circumstances of Wiederhorn's questioning about the firearm, with defense attorneys challenging the government's account of events. The defense team has also raised concerns about potentially forged IRS documents.
Judge Wesley L. Hsu's decision to grant the continuance cited the case's complexity and novel legal questions as factors necessitating additional preparation time.
Adam Schleifer's termination from his position as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles has triggered a complex legal dispute involving his past political activities and his role in prosecuting FAT Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn. As Schleifer pursues reinstatement through the Merit Systems Protection Board, claiming his firing was politically motivated, he faces mounting scrutiny over his handling of the high-profile fraud case and his previous public criticism of President Trump. The interconnected legal battles surrounding both Schleifer's termination and the Wiederhorn prosecution continue to evolve, with significant implications for all parties involved. The outcome of these cases may influence future discussions about the intersection of political speech and prosecutorial responsibilities within the Justice Department.
