A federal judge in Rhode Island has referred Justice Department lawyers for possible disciplinary action regarding their handling of an investigation into transgender youth care at Rhode Island Hospital. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy found that the lawyers misled the court and withheld information during the investigation.
Judge McElroy quashed an administrative subpoena issued by the Justice Department that sought sensitive medical information for all minor transgender patients treated at the hospital. In her decision, she stated that the subpoena lacked a congressionally authorized purpose and was issued in bad faith. She criticized the Justice Department's conduct, emphasizing the expectation of honesty and fairness from federal prosecutors, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations.
The judge accused the DOJ lawyers of misrepresenting facts under oath and attempting to shield their investigative tactics from judicial review. The DOJ's Civil Division denied the allegations, asserting that the claims are without merit and that their attorneys acted appropriately. The hospital is currently appealing the Texas court's decision to enforce the subpoena.