As RedState reported, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the woman who accused President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, then won verdicts against him in civil court for sexual abuse and defamation. The DOJ is investigating whether Carroll committed perjury during her 2022 deposition and testimony in the midst of the sexual assault litigation.
Reporting from CNN and other outlets claimed, "Senior leaders at the Justice Department referred the investigation to federal prosecutors in Chicago, according to two sources familiar with the matter. While Carroll’s deposition took place in New York, one of the individuals who helped cover some of Carroll’s legal fees, Hoffman, has a nonprofit based in Chicago."
However, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago has vociferously denied that his office has opened any such investigation into either E. Jean Carroll or Reid Hoffman.
The following is a statement by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois:
— U.S. Attorney’s Office (NDIL) (@NDILnews) May 28, 2026
“In light of wide-spread reporting and intense media and public interest into the E. Jean Carroll matter in New York, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office can confirm…
The following is a statement by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois:
“In light of wide-spread reporting and intense media and public interest into the E. Jean Carroll matter in New York, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office can confirm that it has not opened—and has never opened—a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll. Any claim to the contrary is categorically false.”
Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, who is currently facing criticism for his office's handling of the "Broadview Six" case in the city, is now leading an investigation into E. Jean Carroll, sources confirmed to NBC News.
Carroll is an 82-year-old New York woman who won a settlement against Donald Trump after accusing him of sexual assault.
The revelations that Boutros is investigating Carroll come amid growing fallout over the unraveling of the Broadview Six trial.
In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, Boutros denies that any investigation has been opened by his office, calling reporting by NBC News, CNN and other outlets "categorically false," according to his office.
Trump Accuser E. Jean Carroll Now Under Investigation by the DOJ
It's a very strong denial, and USA Boutros has issues of his own, according to former Chicago mayor and former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot.
“Unfortunately there is a credibility crisis in this office and I think the reputation of this office by the actions of this U.S. attorney have sullied the reputation of this long storied office,” said former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who served as a federal prosecutor in the same U.S. Attorney’s office from 1996-2002.
Lightfoot said the admission of errors in the Broadview Six case - including contacting grand jurors outside of court, and dismissing grand jurors who didn’t agree on bringing charges - suggests politics are guiding the office’s decisions.
According to local news, on Wednesday, Boutros had announced “sweeping reforms” in the way his prosecutors handle grand juries. One would think that this high-profile and charged case involving the President of the United States would be placed in able and willing hands.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche was involved in some of the 2024 Trump/Carroll litigation, so he has reportedly recused himself from the matter. There have been no statements or comments issued from Main Justice in Washington, D.C.
The plot thickens. In the meantime, we will see who returns this latest legal volley.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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