DOJ Prosecutor Resigns Amid Controversy Over Comey Indictment Leak

A storm has brewed within the hallowed halls of the U.S. Department of Justice, culminating in the high-profile resignation of veteran federal prosecutor Troy Edwards. The departure follows an exhaustive internal review that concluded Edwards violated departmental rules by engaging in unauthorized discussions with a reporter about a potential indictment of none other than former FBI Director James Comey.

The controversy, which has sent ripples through Washington’s legal and political circles, centers on Edwards' conviction that Comey had mishandled classified information during the tumultuous investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails.

Before Comey's dramatic firing by then-President Donald Trump in May 2017, Edwards actively conveyed his belief that Comey's actions warranted criminal charges. It was this intense conviction that reportedly drove him to speak with the media, a move that would ultimately cost him his career at the DOJ.

The internal probe, conducted by the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), paints a detailed picture of Edwards' actions.

The OPR found that Edwards breached strict department policies against unauthorized disclosures to the media, deeming his conduct unacceptable for a federal prosecutor. Furthermore, the report underscored the serious repercussions of his actions, which were cited as a key factor in then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions' decision to recuse himself from the sprawling Russia investigation—a move that profoundly impacted the political landscape.

While Edwards, a prosecutor with a distinguished career that included work on the Oklahoma City bombing case, has disputed some aspects of the OPR's findings, he has acknowledged discussing Comey with a reporter.

His legal representative affirmed that Edwards resigned to explore new professional avenues, firmly standing by his professional judgment that Comey's conduct merited a more thorough examination.

According to the OPR's extensive report, Edwards was not merely expressing an opinion but actively sought to share his perspectives on Comey with "certain individuals" and "the public through the media." The report details how Edwards informed the reporter of his intent to communicate to then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein his view that Comey should face indictment.

This revelation is particularly striking, given that Edwards had reportedly been cautioned by a supervisor against engaging in media contact.

The Justice Department has since confirmed both Edwards' resignation and the thoroughness of the OPR review. The internal report ultimately concluded that Edwards' unauthorized disclosure caused "embarrassment and concern" for the department, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining strict protocols around sensitive information and media interactions within federal law enforcement.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between professional judgment and adherence to institutional rules, especially when dealing with matters of national significance.