By Basant El-Faramawy
The Justice Department has accelerated its criminal investigation into the Alaska U.S. Senate race, with prosecutors issuing more than 100 subpoenas and at least twenty target letters to individuals identified as targets of the probe, sources familiar with the matter said.
Investigation Background
The investigation intensified last week after The New York Times reported alleged efforts by Democrats and associates of Democratic candidate Mary Peltola to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to appear on the ballot alongside incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The similar names raised questions about potential voter confusion.
Target Letters Issued
Among the recipients of the target letters is Marc Elias, a prominent attorney frequently involved in election-related litigation on behalf of Democrats. In a statement, Elias said: "No one should be surprised that President Trump's Department of Justice is targeting me and my law firm on Election Day. This administration has repeatedly weaponized the DOJ against the President's political enemies despite zero evidence of wrongdoing, and we are the latest targets. We will not be intimidated by a sham investigation."
Grand Jury Proceedings
According to sources, a grand jury empaneled in Alaska is examining possible conspiracy and donor fraud offenses. A target letter alerts an individual they are a "target" of a federal grand jury investigation but does not guarantee charges will follow. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
