Judge Edelman’s Decision a “Victory for the Rule of Law and for an Innocent American Seeking Justice”
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is a statement from Davey Hearn’s counsel, Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.) of Democracy Defenders Fund, Mary Dohrmann of Washington Litigation Group, and Steve Levin and Michael Bromwich of Steptoe LLP, regarding Judge Edelman’s decision to dismiss the criminal case against Davey Hearn with prejudice:
“Today’s dismissal with prejudice ensures that the DOJ cannot bring this case against him again. This decision is a victory for the rule of law and for an innocent American seeking justice.
“This case never should have been brought in the first place. This was a miscarriage of justice, and what happened to Mr. Hearn is an outrage that should shock every American. This administration chose to pursue an unjust prosecution against Mr. Hearn. It should not get repeated chances to wield the power of criminal prosecution against someone who should never have been prosecuted. Today’s decision protects Mr. Hearn from that threat, allowing him to move forward with his life as he deserves.”
Read Judge Edelman’s order here.
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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.
Washington Litigation Group is a nonpartisan team of attorneys dedicated to defending individuals and institutions that have been unlawfully targeted for exercising their legal rights and to fighting against governmental overreach.
Steptoe LLP is a leading international law firm known for regulatory defense, complex litigation, and high-stakes white-collar matters.
For media inquiries, contact press@democracydefenders.org.
