Trump's Latest U.S. Attorney Pick Is Barely Qualified to Work Night Court

Defendants sought dismissal of indictments based on comments made by U.S. attorney Darin Smith to prospective and selected grand jury panel members. A prospective juror reported that Smith told grand jurors they would hear cases involving “bad guys” who “did what you are going to hear about” before the proceeding was on the record and a judge was present. The juror also reported Smith called defendants “murderers” and said it “won’t take long” to return an indictment after reviewing evidence. A later review found Smith handed out business cards during a break and encouraged jurors to contact him. Smith also reportedly described cases as “slam dunks.” The U.S. attorney’s office did not challenge the claims, and the court found them credible.

"Defendants moved to toss the indictments over comments Smith made to prospective and selected grand jury panel members in March. One prospective juror informed the court that before a grand jury proceeding was on the record and a judge present, Smith told grand jurors they would hear cases involving "bad guys" who "did what you are going to hear about.""

"Smith, who had no previous criminal or federal litigation experience, also called the defendants "murderers" and told jurors it "won't take long," to return an indictment after reviewing the evidence presented to them, according to the juror's affidavit. The U.S. attorney's office hasn't challenged the veracity of these claims, the court said."

"A subsequent review of grand jury proceedings by the U.S. attorney's office found that during a break in presenting evidence to the grand jury, an assistant U.S. attorney witnessed Smith handing out business cards and encouraging grand jury members to contact him. Smith also later told grand jurors that the cases the office was putting before them were "slam dunks," according to the disclosure from his office."

"The ruling is major loss for Smith's office as his nomination has been condemned by Democrats and other critics over his lack of prior litigation experience and his presence outside the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Smith, a former Wyoming stat"

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