Hagan Scotten Quits: Turmoil in High-Profile Corruption Probe

In a significant upheaval within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten has resigned, citing profound disagreements over the directive to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

This resignation, following that of interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, underscores escalating tensions and raises critical questions about political influence within the DOJ.

A Distinguished Career

Hagan Cordell Scotten’s path to the DOJ reflects a commitment to public service and legal excellence. Before pursuing law, Scotten dedicated nine years to the U.S. Army, serving three combat tours in Iraq as a captain in the Special Forces. His exemplary service earned him two Bronze Star Medals. Transitioning to law, Scotten graduated from Harvard Law School in 2010, receiving the prestigious Fay Diploma as valedictorian.

He further honed his legal acumen by clerking for Judge Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and for Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Scotten practiced at Hogan Lovells, gaining valuable experience in private practice.

The Eric Adams Investigation

In the summer of 2021, Scotten initiated an investigation into Mayor Eric Adams, focusing on allegations of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery involving Turkish officials. This culminated in an indictment in September 2024, marking a significant moment in the SDNY’s efforts to combat political corruption. During court proceedings in October 2024, Scotten indicated the possibility of additional charges against Adams and suggested that individuals within the mayor’s circle might also face prosecution.

Resignation Amid Controversy

The case took a contentious turn in February 2025 when Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed the dismissal of charges against Mayor Adams, citing concerns that the prosecution could interfere with Adams’s ability to govern effectively and collaborate on federal initiatives. This directive led to a wave of resignations, including that of interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon on February 13, 2025. Following Sassoon’s departure, Scotten submitted his resignation on February 14, 2025. In his resignation letter, he emphasized his commitment to justice and stated that he could not, in good conscience, proceed with the dismissal of the case. This series of resignations highlights internal conflicts within the DOJ regarding the prosecution of influential political figures.

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Impact on the Department of Justice

Scotten’s resignation has ignited discussions about the integrity and independence of the DOJ. Critics argue that political interference undermines public trust in the justice system, while supporters of the dismissal contend that the case against Mayor Adams lacked sufficient evidence and that its continuation could impede governance and public safety. This incident raises broader questions about the challenges prosecutors face when handling cases involving powerful political entities.

Looking Ahead

As the DOJ navigates the aftermath of these high-profile resignations, the future of the case against Mayor Adams remains uncertain. The situation underscores the delicate balance prosecutors must maintain between pursuing justice and navigating political pressures. The legal community and the public will be closely monitoring how the DOJ addresses these challenges in the coming months.

Conclusion

Hagan Scotten’s departure from the SDNY serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical dilemmas faced by legal professionals in politically charged cases. His resignation not only highlights internal divisions within the DOJ but also prompts a broader reflection on the principles of justice and the rule of law in the United States.