Todd Blanche Faces Bar Complaint For Launching Investigation In Kilmar Abergo Garcia

A bar complaint has been filed against the acting U.S. attorney general, Todd Blanche. The 11-page complaint filed with authorities in New York is based on Blanche’s role in the Donald Trump administration’s failed efforts to prosecute Kilmar Abergo Garcia.

The complaint stated, “Blanche's conduct potentially violated numerous Rules of Professional Conduct. Blanche's conduct in connection with the Abrego Garcia matter is a serious abuse of public office, undermines the integrity of the Department of Justice, and erodes public confidence in the legal profession and in the fair administration of justice."

Earlier this month, a U.S. District Court dismissed the indictment, alleging that the prosecution was vindictive and selective. Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. ruled the evidence “sadly reflects on abuse of prosecuting power.”

The court found that the criminal investigation against Abergo Garcia was closed long ago but reopened due to then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche’s “now unrebutted public statements tying the reopened investigation to Abergo’s successful lawsuit.” The judge said that this “taints the investigation with a vindictive motive.”

In the memorandum opinion, Crenshaw wrote, “The Court does not reach its conclusion lightly. The objective evidence here shows that, absent Abrego's successful lawsuit challenging his removal to El Salvador, the government would not have brought this prosecution.”

The bar complaint is based on the court ruling that the government’s criminal case against Garcia was tied to his successful legal fight to return to the United States. He previously won a habeas corpus challenge after being wrongly deported to El Salvador.

The complaint by a nonprofit also refers to Judge Crenshaw blaming Todd Blance for the investigation. The judge noted that the then-Deputy Attorney General launched the investigation into the case of Abergo Garcia to justify the Trump administration’s wrongful deportation of him.

Announcing the complaint, Campaign for Accountability Executive Director Michelle Kuppersmith said, “A federal judge found that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche personally launched a criminal prosecution not to enforce the law, but to provide cover for the administration after Mr. Abrego Garcia fought against his illegal deportation to El Salvador, where he was imprisoned in CECOT.”

Kuppersmith added, “It is imperative that the New York Bar hold Mr. Blanche accountable for his reprehensible conduct. "The complaint alleges Blanche violated several rules of professional conduct.

Kuppersmith accuses him of engaging in prohibitions against conduct involving “dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation," as well as conduct that is “prejudicial to the administration of justice" and “adversely reflects on the lawyer’s fitness as a lawyer.”